Dianne Holechek: Chuck Norris’s First Wife Who Stayed Friends After 30 Years of Marriage

Admin January 5, 2026

0 6 5 minutes read

Dianne Holechek, the first wife of legendary martial artist and actor Chuck Norris, lived a life full of love, strength, and quiet dignity. When people think about Chuck Norris, they remember his famous movies and martial arts skills. But behind every successful person, there is often someone who supported them from the beginning. Dianne Holechek was that person in Chuck Norris’s life. She was his high school sweetheart, his first wife, and the mother of his two sons. Even after their marriage ended, they stayed close friends for many years.

Table of Contents

Quick Bio Table

Detail	Information
Full Name	Dianne Kay Holechek
Date of Birth	November 27, 1941
Date of Death	December 20, 2024
Place of Birth	Los Angeles, California, USA
Age at Death	84 years old
Famous For	First wife of Chuck Norris
Marriage	1958 – 1989 (30 years)
Children	Mike Norris, Eric Norris
Grandchildren	Seven (Hannah, Greta, Max, Camryn, Chloe, Chantz, Cash)
Known Career	Homemaker, briefly appeared in “Hollywood ’84”
Nationality	American

Early Life and School Days

Dianne Kay Holechek was born on November 27, 1941, in Los Angeles, California. She grew up during the 1940s and 1950s in a regular American family. Not much is known about her parents or childhood because Dianne always chose to keep her personal life private.

She went to Torrance High School in California during the 1950s. It was at this high school where her life changed forever. She met a young boy named Chuck Norris when he was in his junior year. They became close friends and soon fell in love. Their high school romance became a love story that would last for decades.

After finishing high school, Dianne did not go to college. Instead, she decided to focus on building a family with Chuck. This was common for many young women in that time period.

A Young Love Story

Dianne and Chuck’s love story began in the halls of Torrance High School. They were typical teenagers who enjoyed spending time together. Their relationship was simple and sweet during those early days.

After graduating from high school, Chuck joined the United States Air Force. He was sent far away to serve in South Korea. Even with the long distance between them, their love remained strong. They wrote letters to each other and kept their relationship alive.

While Chuck was serving in the Air Force, he made a big decision. He sent Dianne a handwritten letter asking her to marry him. She said yes. This was a romantic moment that showed how much they cared for each other, even when they were far apart.

Getting Married at a Young Age

On December 29, 1958, Dianne and Chuck got married in Torrance, California. Chuck was only 18 years old, and Dianne was just 17. Chuck wore his Air Force uniform for the wedding ceremony, which made the day even more special.

Their wedding was a traditional ceremony, and after saying their vows, they went on a four-day honeymoon to Big Bear, California. It was a simple honeymoon, but it marked the beginning of their life together.

Life as Chuck Norris’s Wife

Being married to Chuck Norris meant that Dianne’s life would never be ordinary. As Chuck started working hard to become a martial arts champion and later an actor, Dianne was always there beside him.

During the early years of their marriage, life was not easy. Chuck was trying to build his career, and money was tight. But Dianne stood by him through these difficult times. She believed in him and supported his dreams.

As Chuck’s career began to grow in the 1970s and 1980s, he became famous around the world. He starred in many action movies and became a martial arts legend. While Chuck was in the spotlight, Dianne chose to stay in the background. She did not want to be famous. Instead, she focused on being a good wife and mother.

Being a Mother

Dianne and Chuck had two sons together. Their first son, Mike Norris, was born in 1962. Their second son, Eric Norris, was born in 1965. Being a mother became the most important job in Dianne’s life.

She worked hard to give her sons a normal childhood, even though their father was a Hollywood star. She taught them good values like being humble, working hard, and treating people with kindness. Both of her sons grew up to be successful in their own ways.

As a grandmother, Dianne had seven grandchildren: Hannah, Greta, Max, Camryn, Chloe, Chantz, and Cash. She loved spending time with them and watching them grow.

Challenges in Their Marriage

Even though Dianne and Chuck loved each other, their marriage faced serious problems. In 1963, while Dianne was pregnant with their second son Eric, Chuck had an affair with another woman. This relationship resulted in the birth of a daughter named Dina.

Chuck did not know about his daughter for many years. When he finally learned about her, it was already decades later. This situation caused a lot of pain for Dianne. She felt hurt and betrayed, but she chose to stay quiet and focus on raising her two sons.

The Divorce

After nearly 30 years of marriage, Dianne and Chuck separated in 1988. Their divorce was finalized in 1989. The end of their marriage was handled quietly, without any big drama in the news.

Even though their marriage ended, Dianne and Chuck treated each other with respect. They both knew that they had shared many important years together. They had raised two wonderful sons and created many happy memories.

Chuck later talked about how much Dianne had supported him during his early career. He was grateful for everything she had done for him and their family.

Her Final Days and Passing

In her later years, Dianne faced health problems. She began suffering from dementia, a serious illness that affects memory and thinking. This disease slowly took away her health, and her family watched as she struggled.

On December 20, 2024, Dianne passed away peacefully at her home in Texas. She was 84 years old. Her son Mike confirmed the sad news and said, “We are thankful she is no longer suffering. She was the best, the greatest mom. We were so lucky to have her.”

Conclusion

Dianne Holechek’s story is one that deserves to be remembered. She was not just “Chuck Norris’s ex-wife.” She was a devoted mother, a loyal partner during difficult times, and a woman who chose her own path in life.

Her passing on December 20, 2024, marks the end of a life well-lived. She may have stayed out of the spotlight, but her impact on those who knew her was huge. Her sons, grandchildren, and even Chuck Norris will carry her memory in their hearts forever.

In a world that often celebrates fame and attention, Dianne Holechek’s life reminds us that the most important things are often the quietest – love, family, loyalty, and choosing what makes you happy over what makes you famous.