Action icon & patriot Chuck Norris passed away at age 86 after a Hawaii hospital stay

Chuck Norris, the martial arts master and star of “Walker, Texas Ranger,” died at age 86. According to Realtor, his family announced the news on his official Instagram page on Friday, March 20. He passed the day after a hospital stay in Hawaii.

The post read: "It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning." Realtor confirmed that the post went on to add: "While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace."

Hawaii retreat turns tragic

Norris faced a medical emergency on Kauai, his vacation spot. Realtor reported that he bought the $7 million home, called Paradise Island Ranch, in 2015. The 4,500-square-foot property reportedly sits on the North Shore with lush views.

Just days earlier, on his March 10 birthday, Norris posted a boxing workout video from the grounds, Realtor confirmed.

An action star turned patriot

Norris built his fame after meeting Bruce Lee. According to Realtor, he starred in "Way of the Dragon" in 1972. Hits followed like "Good Guys Wear Black," "The Octagon" and "Lone Wolf McQuade."

By 1993, “Walker, Texas Ranger” made him a TV powerhouse. The show hit the top 10 in 1996, as reported by Realtor. Norris said he felt at his peak with its themes of justice and strength.

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According to Realtor, he founded the United Fighting Arts Federation and Kickstart Kids in 1990. Norris later spoke for the U.S. Veterans Administration and backed Donald Trump in 2016.

Family shaped his life. Norris married Dianne Kay Holechek in 1958, had sons Mike and Eric, and separated in 1989, Realtor confirmed. Daughter Dina came from an affair. In 1988, he wed Gena O'Kelley; twins Dakota and Danilee arrived in 2001.

Tributes honor Chuck Norris

Tributes flooded in as soon as the news dropped. According toYahoo Entertainment, Lee Majors, who guested on “Walker, Texas Ranger,” posted on Instagram: “We lost a dear friend today and my heart goes out to his family... Hey Chuck… maybe you can teach the good Lord a few karate moves — I know He’ll get a kick out of them. Rest easy.” 

Stephen King shared top Chuck Norris jokes on X, Yahoo reported. "My fave Chuck Norris joke: Chuck doesn't flush the toilet, he scares the shit out of it." He added: "Second fave: When he was born, Chuck Norris drove his mother home from the hospital."

Sylvester Stallone also honored the legend, saying, “I had a great time working with Chuck. He was All American in every way. Great man and my condolences to his wonderful family,” Yahoo noted. 

Norris leaves a legacy of grit, faith and family. His story inspired millions through screen fights and real-world drive. The world mourns a true force.