Roy Rogers, known as the “King of the Cowboys”, and his wife, Dale Evans, who was nicknamed the “Queen of the West”, were among the first television stars in Hollywood.
The most popular western star of his day, Rogers rose to fame as a singing cowboy with his devoted palomino horse Trigger. He had his own show, The Roy Rogers Show, and starred in over 100 movies.
Rogers’ marriages to Grace Arline Wilkins and Dale Evans resulted in a total of nine children. While some of his children chose to live out of the limelight, others chose to follow in his Hollywood footsteps. Below is a detailed look at each of Roy Rogers’ children:
Cheryl Rogers was adopted from Hope Cottage, Texas in 1941 by Rogers and his second wife, Grace Arline Wilkins. Cheryl grew up alongside her father’s favorite horse, Trigger, and appeared in some of his early films, such as Trail of Robin Hood and Meet Roy Rogers.
Linda Lou Rogers: Two years after Cheryl’s adoption, Grace gave birth to Linda Lou. Before her death in 2008, Linda was married to a clergyman named Gary Johnson for over 40 years. Surrounded by their children and grandchildren, Linda lives in California.
Roy Rogers Jr.: Also called “Dusty”, Roy Jr. is the only biological son of Roy Rogers. Shortly after he was born, Grace died of complications from childbirth. After appearing on The Roy Rogers Show as a child, Dusty went on to manage his father.
In addition, he played with his own band, Roy Rogers Jr. and High Riders and Sons of the Pioneers.
Robin Elizabeth Rogers: Robin, their only child together, was born to Dale Evans.
Robin, who was born with Down syndrome, died before the age of two due to complications from mumps. Dale Angel Unaware was written in her honor.
Dodie Rogers: Adopted at seven months old, Dodie is a native American.
She had a daughter, Kristin, with NASA employee Jon Patterson. Dodie now has a granddaughter.
Mimi Rogers: Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Mimi’s real name is Marion Fleming. She became a member of Roy and Dale’s family after they brought her to California after being so captivated by her singing at the orphanage. Mimi and Dan, a Marine veteran, had three children together before he died. Mimi now has a granddaughter.
Sandy Rogers: John David “Sandy” Rogers was adopted after Robin’s death. At the age of 18, after joining the US Army, he tragically suffocated in a German military hospital.
Tom Fox: Tom was raised by Roy and Dale and was Dale’s biological son from her first marriage. He died in 2012 after being a minister of music and a school instructor.
The family history of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans is a story of love, tragedy, and happiness that reflects their enduring legacy and strong family values.
The family of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans is a testament to the joys and sorrows that often accompany life in the public eye. While they experienced huge success in Hollywood, their personal lives were marked by both remarkable moments of love and tragic loss. The Rogers-Evans family, with its mix of biological and adopted children, became a tight-knit unit that faced life’s ups and downs together. From the joy of raising children in the shadow of fame to the heartbreaking loss of a beloved child, their story is one of resilience and strength.
Each of the Roy Rogers children carved out their own path, whether in the spotlight as Roy Rogers Jr. and Mimi, or far from it, as many have chosen a quieter life. Yet, regardless of their individual paths, the Rogers family remained rooted in the values ​​of love, faith, and family that defined their public image. The tragedies they faced, including the untimely deaths of Robin and Sandy, were met with grace and an unwavering commitment to one another that underscored their deep family bond.
Roy Rogers and Dale Evans’ legacy extends far beyond their successful careers in entertainment. Not only did they create a lasting impact on the world of Western film and television, but they also left behind a family that reflected their enduring love and devotion to each other. Despite the challenges they faced, their story continues to resonate with those who admire their contributions to the entertainment industry and the values ​​they espoused as a family.