by Roy Rogers, famously known as the “King of the Cowboys,” and his wife Dale Evans, the “Queen of the West,” were two of Hollywood’s earliest TV stars.
Rogers, renowned as the singing cowboy with his faithful palomino horse Trigger, became the most popular western star of his era. He starred in over 100 films and had his own show, The Roy Rogers Show.
Rogers had a total of nine children through his marriages with Grace Arline Wilkins and Dale Evans. Some of his children followed in his Hollywood footsteps, while others chose lives away from the limelight. Here’s a closer look at each of Roy Rogers’ children:
Cheryl Rogers: Rogers and his second wife, Grace Arline Wilkins, adopted Cheryl in 1941 from Hope Cottage in Texas. Cheryl grew up with her father’s beloved horse Trigger and appeared in some of his films as a child, including Meet Roy Rogers and Trail of Robin Hood.
Linda Lou Rogers: Grace gave birth to Linda Lou two years after adopting Cheryl. Linda married Gary Johnson, a minister, and they were together for over 40 years until his death in 2008. Linda lives in California, surrounded by their children and grandchildren.
Roy Rogers Jr.: Known as “Dusty,” Roy Jr. is the only biological son of Roy Rogers. Grace passed away due to complications from childbirth shortly after he was born. 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 his own band, Roy Rogers Jr. and the High Riders.
Robin Elizabeth Rogers: Dale Evans gave birth to Robin, their only child together. Robin was born with Down syndrome and passed away before her second birthday due to complications from the mumps. Dale wrote the book Angel Unaware in her memory.
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. Dodie is now a grandmother.
Mimi Rogers: Marion Fleming, known as Mimi, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. Roy and Dale met her in a children’s home and were so impressed by her singing that they brought her to California, where she became part of their family. Mimi married Dan, a Marine Corps member, and they had three children before he passed away. Mimi 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, raised by Roy and Dale. He became a school teacher and music minister and passed away in 2012.
Roy Rogers and Dale Evans’ family story is a blend of joy, tragedy, and love, reflecting their strong family values and enduring legacy.
