Chuck Norris's First Wife, Dianne Holechek, Dies

"Today my heart breaks," a grieving daughter-in-law wrote.

For decades, the "Missing in Action" actor's high school sweetheart, Dianne Holechek, remained largely outside the spotlight, a constant presence during some of the most formative years of his rise in Hollywood and long after that chapter closed.

Her story, intertwined with fame, family, and quiet endurance, resurfaced this week as tributes poured in from the actor and those who knew her best.

Dianne Holechek

Dianne died peacefully at her home in Texas after a long battle with dementia, according to her son, Mike Norris, who confirmed the news in an interview with TMZ. She was 84. "We are thankful she is no longer suffering," Mike said. "She was the best, the greatest mom. We were so lucky to have her."

Dianne met Chuck Norris while they were students at a high school in Torrance, California, in the late 1950s. The two were high school sweethearts and married in 1958, when Chuck was 18 and Dianne just 17.

They went on to have two sons together, Mike and Eric Norris. Mike became an actor while Eric is a former NASCAR driver. The "Sidekicks" actor and Diane remained married for three decades.

Through Fame and Strain

As Chuck's career took off in the 1970s and 1980s, first as a martial arts champion and later as a film and television star, Dianne largely stayed out of public view.

In a 1985 interview with The New York Times, Chuck credited her support during their early years, saying, "She has always been very supportive of my goals. She never complained, even when we were scrimping and scraping."

Behind the scenes, however, their marriage faced severe strain. During Chuck's service in the United States Air Force in the early 1960s, the "Walker, Texas Ranger" actor was unfaithful and fathered a daughter, Dina, out of wedlock.

According to reports, he later detailed the revelations in his 2004 memoir "Against All Odds" and discussed them in subsequent interviews and reporting.

"To my shame, I never told Johanna that I was married. Johanna later confirmed to Dina that I was her biological father but that I was married and had children, and she shouldn't disrupt my life," Chuck reportedly wrote, recalling the affair and its aftermath. Dina, however, knew she had to meet her dad.

"I didn't need DNA or blood tests. I went to her, wrapped my arms around her, and we both started crying," Chuck wrote. "At that moment, it was as if I had known her all my life." Despite the betrayal, Dianne remained with him for years afterward.

The couple eventually separated in 1988 and divorced in 1989.

Chuck Pays Tribute

Following news of her death, Chuck shared a public tribute on Facebook, reflecting on both their marriage and the decades that followed.

"I am deeply saddened to share that my ex wife, Dianne, has passed away," he wrote. "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."

"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," he added.

In the comments, Mike responded, "Thank you dad. That was beautiful. I love you."

Remembered Beyond the Public Narrative

Family members and loved ones also shared personal memories that painted a fuller picture of Dianne's life. In a tribute posted by Mike's wife, Val Norris, she recalled the role Dianne played on her wedding day.

"On my Wedding day Michaels mom didn't get ready with him. She didn't drive to the church with him. On my wedding day she was with me getting ready and held my hand on the way to the church," Val wrote.

She concluded, "The last few days I have been able to hold that hand as she went to heaven. I love you Dianne. Blessed to be your daughter in law.❤️"

How Mike Spoke About His Mother Over the Years

Long before her death, Mike occasionally shared glimpses of his relationship with his mother through old family photos on social media, offering rare insight into their closeness away from the public eye.

In a February 28, 2018, Instagram post, Mike shared a throwback photo of himself beside his mother, captioned, "Me and my mommy. A long time ago."

Also, on May 21, 2016, Mike posted another family photo from his wedding day, showing Dianne standing beside her sons. "My older brother and my beautiful mother at our wedding. PS happy birthday Eric," he wrote.

The posts, shared years apart and without fanfare, showcased the enduring place Dianne held in her son's life, not as a public figure, but as a constant presence across family milestones.

Though much of her life unfolded away from cameras and headlines, Dianne remained central to the personal history of one of Hollywood's most recognizable action stars, as a teenage sweetheart, a wife during years of struggle and success, and a mother remembered by her family as steady and deeply loved.