The Enduring Legacy Of Roy Rogers And Dale Evans: Introducing The Nine Children Of The Cowboy Legend

Roy Rogers, celebrated as the “King of the Cowboys,” and his spouse Dale Evans, often referred to as the “Queen of the West,” were among the pioneering television stars of Hollywood.

Rogers, well-known for his role as a singing cowboy alongside his trusty palomino horse Trigger, was a major figure in Western films. Over his career, he appeared in more than 100 movies and starred in his own show, The Roy Rogers Show.

Throughout his marriages to Grace Arline Wilkins and Dale Evans, Rogers had nine children. While some of his children pursued careers in entertainment, others chose to stay out of the public eye. Here’s a look at Rogers’ children:

Cheryl Rogers: Adopted by Rogers and Grace Arline Wilkins from Hope Cottage in Texas in 1941, Cheryl grew up around Trigger and appeared in a few of Rogers’ films as a child, such as Meet Roy Rogers and Trail of Robin Hood.

Linda Lou Rogers: Born to Grace two years after Cheryl was adopted, Linda Lou married Gary Johnson, a minister, with whom she shared over 40 years of marriage until his death in 2008. She now resides in California with her family.

Roy Rogers Jr.: Known as “Dusty,” Roy Jr. is Rogers’ only biological son. His mother, Grace, passed away shortly after his birth. Dusty appeared on The Roy Rogers Show as a child, managed his father’s career, and performed with both the Sons of the Pioneers and his own band, Roy Rogers Jr. and the High Riders.

Robin Elizabeth Rogers: The only child of Roy and Dale Evans, Robin was born with Down syndrome and sadly passed away before turning two due to complications from the mumps. Dale wrote Angel Unaware in her memory.

Dodie Rogers: Adopted at seven months old, Dodie has Native American heritage. She married Jon Patterson, a NASA employee, and they had a daughter named Kristin. Dodie is now a grandmother.

Mimi Rogers: Originally Marion Fleming from Edinburgh, Scotland, Mimi was brought into the Rogers family after Roy and Dale were impressed by her singing at a children’s home. She married Dan, a Marine Corps member, and they had three children before his passing. Mimi is now a grandmother.

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

Sandy Rogers: John David “Sandy” Rogers was adopted following Robin’s death. He served in the U.S. Army but died at 18 from choking in a military hospital in Germany.

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

The story of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans’ family encompasses both triumphs and hardships, highlighting their strong familial bonds and lasting impact.