Roy Rogers and Dale Evans: Hollywood Icons

Roy Rogers, known as the “King of the Cowboys,” and his wife Dale Evans, the “Queen of the West,” were among Hollywood’s earliest TV stars.

The Singing Cowboy

Rogers gained fame as the singing cowboy alongside his faithful palomino horse, Trigger. He starred in over 100 films and hosted his own show, The Roy Rogers Show, making him the most popular western star of his time.

Family Life

Rogers had nine children from his marriages to Grace Arline Wilkins and Dale Evans. While some followed in his Hollywood footsteps, others chose different paths. Here’s a closer look at each of Roy Rogers’ children:

Cheryl Rogers

Rogers and Grace adopted Cheryl in 1941 from Hope Cottage in Texas. Growing up with Trigger, she appeared in several of her father’s films, including Meet Roy Rogers and Trail of Robin Hood.

Linda Lou Rogers

Two years after adopting Cheryl, Grace gave birth to Linda Lou. She married Gary Johnson, a minister, and they spent over 40 years together until his death in 2008. Linda now lives in California, enjoying time with her children and grandchildren.

Roy Rogers Jr.

Known as “Dusty,” Roy Jr. is Rogers’ only biological son. Tragically, Grace died due to childbirth complications shortly after his birth. Dusty appeared on The Roy Rogers Show as a child and later became his father’s manager. He also performed with the Sons of the Pioneers and led his band, Roy Rogers Jr. and the High Riders.

Robin Elizabeth Rogers

Dale gave birth to Robin, their only child together. Born with Down syndrome, Robin passed away before her second birthday due to complications from the mumps. In her memory, Dale wrote the book Angel Unaware.

Dodie Rogers

Dodie, of Native American descent, was adopted at seven months old. She married Jon Patterson, a NASA employee, and they had a daughter named Kristin. Now a grandmother, Dodie enjoys family life.

Mimi Rogers

Marion Fleming, known as Mimi, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. Roy and Dale met her in a children’s home and were captivated by her singing. They brought her to California, where she became part of their family. Mimi married Dan, a Marine Corps member, and had three children before his passing. She is now a grandmother.

Debbie Rogers

Deborah Lee Rogers was adopted after becoming an orphan during the Korean War. Tragically, she died at age 12 in a bus accident in Los Angeles while with other children from her church.

Sandy Rogers

John David “Sandy” Rogers was adopted after Robin’s death. He joined the U.S. Army but sadly choked to death in a military hospital in Germany at age 18.

Tom Fox

Tom was Dale’s biological son from her first marriage and raised by Roy and Dale. He became a school teacher and music minister, passing away in 2012.

A Legacy of Love

The family story of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans is a blend of joy, tragedy, and love. It reflects their strong family values and enduring legacy.