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.
Judge Judy Married Her Husband Twice — Her Inspiring Love Story
When Judge Judy Sheindlin divorced her husband, she was facing a heartbreaking situation. However, their split didn’t last, and later, she revealed the reason why she decided to remarry him.
Judge Judy Sheindlin, known for her role as a television court arbitrator and her background as a prosecutor and family court judge, is married to Jerry Sheindlin, who is also a lawyer and former judge.
Judy and her husband have always supported each other in their legal careers. When Jerry, then a New York State Supreme Court judge, was offered a spot on “The People’s Court,” he turned to his wife for advice.
In an interview, he recalled, “She is the one who told me I should do it,” adding that he wouldn’t have accepted the role if Judy had any doubts.
Despite his wife’s massive success on TV, the New York native wasn’t concerned about the competition, saying, “I think that behind every great woman there is a man. […] But I also heard a rumor that behind every great man, there is a woman.”
Jerry had just started easing out of his Supreme Court role when he began taping for “The People’s Court.” His new role, presiding over about 10 cases a day for two days a week, was much lighter compared to the 150 cases he used to manage.
Jerry and Judy’s connection has always been rooted in their shared legal careers, even from the very beginning. Their first meeting happened in a bar after Jerry had just finished defending a murder case.
He was talking to a reporter when Judy walked in, pointed a finger at him, and asked, ‘And who is this?'” Jerry recalled. His response was direct, “‘Lady, get your finger out of my face.’ We’ve been together ever since.”
Jerry and Judy Sheindlin attend Women’s Righs in Afghanistan Benefit Gala on March 29, 1999, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
While Jerry has enjoyed watching Judy’s television success, he humorously added, “If my show takes off and I beat her, I am contacting Hollywood immediately to remake the movie ‘Sleeping With the Enemy.'”
The couple’s relationship continued to evolve with their characteristic boldness and humor. After a year together, Judy subtly suggested marriage, but Jerry had his reservations.
Jerry and Judy Sheindlin attend 46th Annual Spirit of Achievement Luncheon on May 1, 2000, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
“Why does the government have to dictate our relationship, it’s just a piece of paper. We’re already devoted to each other, we’re already committed to each other,” he told her.
Rather than pushing the issue, Judy simply stated that if Jerry wanted them to live together, he should ask for her father’s permission. Not wanting to face her dad, Jerry made a different choice—he set a wedding date, and the two were married in 1977.
Jerry and Judy Sheindlin attend Merv Griffin’s Coconut Club for a special performance on January 13, 2001, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Though the pair were deeply committed to each other, their relationship faced a challenge in 1990 when they divorced. The strain came after the passing of Judy’s father, Murray Blum, which left her under immense emotional stress. However, their time apart didn’t last long, as they remarried just a year later.
Jerry reflected on that difficult period, saying, “I missed her presence the very first week that we were separated. It was the first time in years that we didn’t get to see each other every single day. It was such a strange experience.”
Jerry and Judy Sheindlin pictured down Madison Ave on January 29, 2002, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, Judy acknowledged that she enjoyed being married and had missed Jerry during their time apart. To her, there’s something special about sharing life as a couple and the connection that comes with marriage.
After remarrying after their divorce, Judy opened up about the brief split in a rare interview. When asked why she chose to reunite with Jerry in 1991, she explained, “That’s a long story, but the end of the story is: I found … that most men were alike.”
The public figure went on to share her thoughts about the differences between men and women. “They have basic needs that are different from women’s,” she said.
They enjoy being taken care of, receiving affection, and having their personal space. As long as they are fed, shown love, and given room to do their own thing, they tend to be content, Judy added.
Judy and Jerry Sheindlin at the Women’s Guild Cedars-Sinai’s Annual Luncheon on April 13, 2015, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
She has always been candid about the dynamics of her long-lasting marriage with Jerry. In a January 2024 interview, she offered some insight into how they’ve kept their relationship strong after nearly 50 years together.
“You don’t spend 24 hours together because that’s deadly,” she explained, highlighting the importance of personal space. Judy added, “Jerry just celebrated his 90th birthday and I still like to look at him when he walks in the room—that’s a key.”
Judy and Jerry Sheindlin pictured on December 17, 2022, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Judy, now nearing her 82nd birthday on October 21, 2024, has always stressed the value of maintaining a good appearance, especially as one ages. However, when it comes to Jerry, she doesn’t need to remind him—he’s already well aware of how to stay in shape.
“He loves himself desperately. Jerry is almost ten years older than I am, but I think his goal is to outlive me. He takes very good care of himself,” said the TV star, who once had a mini-stroke during a show taping.
Judy and Jerry’s enduring bond continues to charm fans, both on and off the screen. In a heartfelt Facebook post, she uploaded a picture of the couple, which quickly drew admiration from followers.
One person commented, “You and your husband look so good together. Love [sic] your smiles,” while another added, “You look amazing. Love your down to earth [sic], common sense judgments.”
Judy Sheindlin and Jerry Sheindlin’s long-lasting relationship highlights the power of love, mutual respect, and shared humor. After nearly five decades together, their bond remains strong, proving that true companionship can endure through all of life’s challenges.
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