Chuck Norris is mourning the loss of his ex-wife, Dianne Holechek, who passed away peacefully at the age of 84 after a long battle with dementia. Though their marriage ended decades ago, the legendary actor and martial artist says their bond never truly faded.

“I am deeply saddened to share that my ex-wife, Dianne, has passed away,” Norris, 85, shared in a statement to Fox News Digital. “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.”

Holechek died at her home in Texas, according to the couple’s son, Mike Norris, who confirmed the news to TMZ. Her passing marks the end of a chapter that began when she and Norris were just teenagers in California.

The two met while attending North High School in Torrance, Calif., and married in 1958 when Dianne was 17 and Chuck was 18. Their love story grew alongside Norris’ rise to fame, first as a martial artist and later as one of Hollywood’s most recognizable action stars. Together, they welcomed two sons, Mike and Eric, who would later follow their own paths in entertainment and sports. Eric became a professional race car driver, competing in NASCAR.

Despite their long marriage, the couple faced challenges. Norris previously admitted that his demanding career and long absences while serving in the U.S. Air Force placed a strain on their relationship. He later acknowledged infidelity, which ultimately contributed to their divorce in 1989, after 30 years together.

Still, their story did not end in bitterness. Instead, it evolved into something rooted in grace and mutual respect.

“Dianne was an incredible person,” Norris said. “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, “Even as our lives took different directions, we continued to care deeply for one another, and I will forever cherish the memories we built together.”

That enduring friendship stood as a quiet testimony to forgiveness, maturity, and love beyond marriage. After their divorce, Norris went on to marry former model Gena O’Kelley in 1998. The two remain married today and have spoken openly about their faith and family values over the years.

Dianne’s battle with dementia was a long and difficult one, but her passing was peaceful, surrounded by the familiarity of home. For those who knew her, she will be remembered not only as the former wife of a Hollywood icon, but as a devoted mother, a kind soul, and a woman whose life touched many.

As Norris grieves, his words reflect both sorrow and gratitude — gratitude for shared years, shared children, and a friendship that endured long after the marriage ended. Her legacy, he says, will always live on in the hearts of those who loved her most.