Chuck Norris’ family is shutting down speculation about the nature of his death at 86.
“We are are that since Chuck’s passing, there have been a number of AI-generated videos and posts circulating online that contain false and misleading information regarding the circumstances of his passing, his health history and who was present,” a Wednesday, April 1, statement shared via Instagram Stories read, per Taste of Country. “These claims are completely untrue.”
Norris’ family announced on March 20 that the Walker, Texas Ranger star died after being hospitalized for an undisclosed health scare. Norris is survived by his wife, Gena O’Kelley, and his children and grandchildren. (Norris and O’Kelley, 62, shared twins Dakota and Danilee, 24, and Norris was also the father of sons Mike, 63, and Eric, 60, with late ex-wife Dianne Holechek, and daughter Dina, 61, with a woman named Johanna.)
While announcing his death, Norris’ relatives stressed their intentions to “keep the circumstances private.”
Chuck Norris was known for his work on the small and big screens — as well as his impressive martial arts talent — before his March 2026 death. Born in Oklahoma, Norris discovered his passion for martial arts while overseas in Asia as a member of the United States Air Force. He trained in Tang […]
“Please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace,” they wrote last month. “While our hearts are broken, we are deeply grateful for the life he lived and for the unforgettable moments we were blessed to share with him.”
Since Norris’ death, his family claimed on Wednesday that “false” reports of a fabricated medical history and incorrect narratives about his family dynamics.
“We kindly ask that you do not believe or share any information unless it comes directly from the Norris family or an official family representative,” they concluded. “Thank you for understanding and for continuing to keep our family in your prayers.”
A cause of death has not been publicly shared.
In the weeks since Norris died, his family members have broken their silence about their loss.
Chuck Norris showed off his boxing skills on Instagram nine days before his death. The actor celebrated his 86th birthday on March 10 with a social media video telling fans, “I don’t age, I level up,” alongside clips of him sparring with a partner. “I’m 86 today! Nothing like some playful action on a sunny […]
“Dad, it’s hard to find the right words for this, but I’ll do my best,” son Dakota wrote via Instagram. “You’ve been the man I looked up to my whole life. Your generosity, your kindness, your courage, your integrity, your strength, your discipline, and your faith in the Lord were just a handful of things I always admired about you. You lived your life with purpose and with love for all people.”
He continued, “No matter what I was going through, you were always there. You made sure I knew how much you loved me. Honest to God, I don’t think there was a single day that went by where you didn’t say it. I’m so proud to be your son. The memories we made, the lessons you taught me, and the constant laughs we shared will stay with me for the rest of my life.”
Dakota’s niece Greta, Mike’s daughter with wife Valerie Norris, meanwhile, noted that she was “so proud” to call the action star her “papa” in a separate tribute.
“If you got the opportunity to meet him you knew he is the most down-to-earth person ever,” Greta wrote via Instagram on March 20. “In a room full of people he would make it known that he was listening to you and only you. He made everyone he met feel like a friend.”
