The Legacy of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans: Meet the Cowboy Icon’s Nine Children

Roy Rogers, famously dubbed the “King of the Cowboys”, and his spouse Dale Evans, known as the “Queen of the West”, emerged as early luminaries in Hollywood’s nascent television era.

Rogers, celebrated for his role as the singing cowboy alongside his loyal palomino Trigger, ascended to become the preeminent star of Westerns during his time. He starred in more than a hundred films and headlined his own television series, The Roy Rogers Show.

Over the course of his life, Rogers fathered a total of nine children through his marriages with Grace Arline Wilkins and Dale Evans. While some of his offspring followed his footsteps into the entertainment industry, others pursued quieter lives away from public scrutiny. Here’s an individual glimpse into each of Roy Rogers’ children:

Cheryl Rogers: Adopted in 1941 with his second wife, Grace Arline Wilkins, from Hope Cottage in Texas. Cheryl grew up in the presence of her father’s beloved horse Trigger and appeared in several of his films during her childhood, including Meet Roy Rogers and Trail of Robin Hood.

Linda Lou Rogers: Born two years after Cheryl’s adoption to Grace. Linda married Gary Johnson, a minister, and the couple shared over four decades together until his passing in 2008. Linda now resides in California, surrounded by their children and grandchildren.

Roy Rogers Jr. (Dusty): The only biological son of Roy Rogers, born shortly before Grace’s untimely death due to childbirth complications. Dusty made childhood appearances on The Roy Rogers Show and later managed his father’s career. He also performed with the Sons of the Pioneers and formed his band, Roy Rogers Jr. and the High Riders.

Robin Elizabeth Rogers: The only child born to Dale Evans and Roy Rogers, Robin tragically passed away before her second birthday due to complications from the mumps. In her memory, Dale authored the book Angel Unaware.

Dodie Rogers: Adopted at seven months old, Dodie, of Native American heritage, married Jon Patterson, a NASA employee, and they welcomed a daughter named Kristin. Dodie now enjoys her role as a grandmother.

Mimi Rogers: Born Marion Fleming in Edinburgh, Scotland, Mimi was discovered by Roy and Dale in a children’s home due to her exceptional singing talents. She became a cherished member of their family, marrying Dan, a Marine Corps member, with whom she had three children before his passing. Mimi is now a grandmother herself.

Debbie Rogers: Adopted during the Korean War after becoming orphaned, Debbie tragically died at the age of 12 in a bus accident in Los Angeles while traveling with other children from her church.

Sandy Rogers: Adopted following Robin’s passing, John David “Sandy” Rogers later joined the U.S. Army but sadly passed away at age 18 in a choking incident at a military hospital in Germany.

Tom Fox: Dale’s biological son from her previous marriage, Tom was raised by Roy and Dale. He pursued a career as a school teacher and music minister before his passing in 2012.

The saga of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans’ family is marked by a tapestry of happiness, sorrow, and love, emblematic of their enduring family values and profound legacy.

Country music star told to not mention Jesus – his response causes a standing ovation

Vince Gill is a country singer with an impressive resume; boasting the most Grammy Awards ever won by a male country music singer and more than 20 albums to his name.

Gill who was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007, first came to our attention as a member of country rock band Pure Prairie League in 1979.

Four decades later he is a much-loved and much in demand performer who was invited to sing on the legendary Grand Ole Opry stage alongside the band Little Big Town.

But bosses told him he could perform on one condition — he didn’t sing about Jesus.

So how could anyone deny this talented, brilliant artist the right to sing the song he wanted at a performance?

His response caused the crowd to jump to their feet.

Gill, who was born in Oklahoma in 1957, became a solo artist in the ’80s. In recent years the devout christian has incorporated more gospel music into his appearances.

Recently he was invited to perform at the Grand Ole Opry, in Nashville Tennessee, a weekly country music stage concert which has been going since 1925.

But bosses said he could perform as long as he didn’t do any religious songs, namely about Jesus.

Gill could have adhered to this instruction ignoring his instinct to want to sing about his faith. But instead he did something different.He ignored these rules and instead sang “Why Me Lord,” a powerful song written and recorded by American country music artist and gospel singer Kris Kristofferson in 1972.

Since, the song has been performed by musical greats such as Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.

Gill’s performance resulted in a standing ovation showing that nobody else really cared what the song was about but how moving the performance was.

See a clip of him performing in the video below.

Gill’s decision to perform a song true to his faith and musical style is truly brave, and not everyone would have had the guts to defy orders this way.

Then again, when you’re in the Country Music Hall of Fame, you get to make your own rules sometimes!

What do you think of his performance? Feel free to comment on our Facebook page and don’t forget to share with your friends and family.

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