Texas leaders, including Gov. Greg Abbott, are reacting to Chuck Norris’ death, calling the “Walker, Texas Ranger” star a legend.
HOUSTON — Texas leaders and fans are reacting to the death of Chuck Norris, remembering the martial arts legend and “Walker, Texas Ranger” star as a cultural icon with deep ties to the Lone Star State.
Norris died Thursday morning at age 86 after being hospitalized in Hawaii following a reported medical emergency. His family confirmed his death on Friday.
Norris resided at his ranch, The Lone Wolf Ranch, in Navasota, Texas.
Texas reacts to Chuck Norris’ death
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott was among those sharing a tribute, calling Norris a legend whose impact reached far beyond film and television.
“Texas has lost a legend,” Abbott wrote. “All of Texas mourns the passing of Chuck Norris. He was not only a martial arts champion, action icon, and the one and only Walker, Texas Ranger. But he electrified generations of conservatives. Giving them a passion and voice to fight for the principles that make America the greatest nation on earth.”
Abbott also praised Norris’ character and influence.
“He embodied the toughness, grit, and patriotism that makes Texas supreme. Rest in peace, Chuck.”
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick reflects on friendship with Chuck Norris
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick shared a personal tribute to Chuck Norris, remembering him not just as an icon, but as a close friend.
“It is with great personal sadness that I’ve learned my friend and American Icon Chuck Norris has passed away,” Patrick wrote.
Patrick said their relationship went back many years, noting that Norris was among the first to support him politically.
“Chuck was one of the first people to endorse me when I ran for the Texas Senate in 2007,” he said. “Chuck was a committed Christian and a rock-solid conservative.”
He also shared a personal memory from a birthday celebration at the Texas Capitol.
“In 2017, he and Gena had lunch with me at the Capitol on my birthday. They sang happy birthday to me. I asked Chuck to cut the cake. He did it only as Chuck Norris would.”
“Our joke was that Chuck could cut the birthday cake with a karate chop and not get icing on his hand.”
Patrick reflected on Norris’ life story, from his military service to his rise in Hollywood.
“He was a true American success story,” Patrick said. “Injured in South Korea in the military, he took up martial arts to help heal. Later, he trained movie stars in martial arts. Steve McQueen told him he should be an action star. The rest is history.”
He also highlighted Norris’ work with young people in Texas.
“He started the ‘Kickstart Kids’ program in Texas schools that taught kids the discipline of martial arts. He loved those kids.”
Patrick closed his message with an emotional note.
“I don’t cry often, but today is an exception. I will miss him, everyone who knew him will miss him, and so will his millions of fans.”
“I love you, Chuck! Please keep Gena and the Norris Family in your prayers.”
Congressman Michael McCaul highlights Chuck Norris’ Texas ties
Congressman Michael McCaul also shared a tribute, emphasizing Chuck Norris’ connection to Texas and his local community.
“Chuck Norris was an American hero, both on and off the screen,” McCaul wrote.
He noted Norris’ ties to the region, describing him as a resident of Grimes County within his district.
“A resident of Grimes County in my district, he embodied the Texan values that make our state great.”
McCaul also expressed support for Norris’ family and community.
“His wife Gena, their loved ones, and the Brazos community are in my prayers as they grieve the loss of a titan.”
Congressman Dan Crenshaw remembers Chuck Norris’ legacy
Congressman Dan Crenshaw also shared a tribute, highlighting Chuck Norris’ wide-ranging impact and cultural influence.
“Chuck Norris led an extraordinary life. Air Force veteran. World champion martial artist. Legendary actor. A devout Christian,” Crenshaw wrote.
He described Norris as a figure whose influence extended across generations.
“He’s a true American icon whose strength, discipline, and faith inspired generations. Perhaps his greatest legacy was bringing joy to so many through laughter. Chuck Norris jokes will never go out of style.”
Crenshaw also referenced one of the well-known jokes associated with Norris’ larger-than-life persona.
“Chuck Norris actually died in 2003, but Death just now got the courage to tell him.”
He closed his tribute with a brief message.
“Rest in Peace Chuck.”
Family shares message after his passing
Norris’ family said he was surrounded by loved ones at the time of his death.
“While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace,” his family’s statement said. “We know many of you had heard about his recent hospitalization, and we are truly grateful for the prayers and support you sent his way. As we grieve this loss, we kindly ask for privacy for our family during this time.”
A lasting legacy in Texas and beyond
Norris rose from an Air Force veteran and martial arts trainer to an international star, appearing in numerous action films throughout the 1980s.
He later became widely known for his role in the long-running TV series “Walker, Texas Ranger,” a show that further cemented his connection to Texas. The series ran for 196 episodes from 1993 to 2001 on CBS.
His popularity surged again in the 2000s with the rise of “Chuck Norris facts,” a viral internet meme that introduced him to a new generation of fans.
One of his final messages to fans
Just a week before his death, Norris shared a message celebrating his birthday and reflecting on his life.
“Nothing like some playful action on a sunny day to make you feel young,” Norris said. “I’m grateful for another year, good health and the chance to keep doing what I love. Thank you all for being the best fans in the world. Your support through the years has meant more to me than you’ll ever know.”
As tributes continue to pour in, many across Texas are remembering Norris not just as an action star, but as a figure who left a lasting impression on generations.