Inside the Marriages of Roy Rogers and His Wives

King of the Cowboys, Leonard Franklin Slye, famously known as Roy Rogers, is an American actor, TV host, and singer. He has filmed several movies, including The Muppet Show, The Fall Guy, Wonder Woman, and King of the Cowboys as himself.

Rogers was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame twice, making him the only artist to be elected to the prestigious hall of fame. He was also awarded three Hollywood Walk of Fame stars for Motion Pictures, Television, and Radio in 1752, 1620, and 1733 Vine street, respectively.

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But as many people say, behind every successful man is a supportive woman. In his case, it’s supportive women. Although his first marriages were tragic, Roy Rogers’ wives had a distinct impact on his life.

The Wives of Roy Rogers

Roy Rogers’ wife, Lucile Ascolese, was his first admirer. After dating for a year, they were married by a justice of the peace in 1933. Unfortunately, their marriage failed and eventually led to a divorce in 1936.

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Rogers’ second wife, Grace Arlene Wilkins, whom he first met in Roswell, wed Rogers in June 1936 after his failed marriage with Ascolese. The couple adopted a lovely daughter in 1941 named Cheryl Darlene. In 1943, Grace gave birth to Linda Lou. Their third child, Roy Rogers Jr., was born in 1946. Sadly, a few days after she gave birth, Grace died due to complications.

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Roy Rogers’ spouse the third time, Dale Evans, met him when they were both casts together in a film in 1944. Both immediately fell in love, and three years later, they married on a New Years’ Eve in Oklahoma, where they both filmed a movie. They bore a child and adopted four more children. Unfortunately, one of their children died from contracting mumps and developing complications. Evans later wrote a book entitled Angel Unaware to pay tribute to her daughter, who passed away. 

Until Rogers’ death in 1998, they remained husband and wife.