Dianne Holechek, the former wife of martial artist and actor Chuck Norris, died at 84 after battling dementia. She passed away peacefully at her Texas home, her son Mike Norris confirmed to TMZ.
“We are thankful she is no longer suffering. She was the best, the greatest mom. We were so lucky to have her,” Mike Norris said.
Chuck Norris mourned Holechek’s death in a Facebook post, emphasizing the friendship they maintained following their 1989 divorce.
“I am deeply saddened to share that my ex-wife, Dianne, has passed away. After being married for 30 years, we were able to find a way to remain close friends, and those years of friendship meant the world to me,” Norris wrote. “Dianne was an incredible person. She was kind, intelligent, and lived life to the fullest. Her presence in my life will never be forgotten. She was also a loving and devoted mother to our sons, Mike and Eric, who were always her greatest pride.”
Born in Los Angeles on Nov. 27, 1941, Holechek and Norris were high school sweethearts who met at North High School in Torrance, according to Parade. They married in 1958 and had two sons together: Mike, who became an actor, and Eric, a former NASCAR driver.
While Norris rose to Hollywood stardom, Holechek lived a more private life. The couple separated in 1988 and finalized their divorce in 1989. After the divorce, Holechek stayed out of the public spotlight. She is survived by her two sons and seven grandchildren.
