Some heroes don’t just ride off into the sunset—they leave footprints so big they echo for generations. On this day in 1998, the world said goodbye to Roy Rogers, the beloved King of the Cowboys, whose smile, songs, and silver screen adventures helped shape America’s vision of the Wild West.
Before the “outlaw” tag was cool, Roy Rogers was the original cowboy icon. Born Leonard Franklin Slye in humble Cincinnati, he wasn’t handed fame or fortune. Instead, he found his voice on the banks of Duck Run, yodeling and calling square dances. With grit and determination, he dropped out of high school to support his family—and chased a dream bigger than any dusty hometown.
In 1930, Leonard and his father hit the road for California, where fame was elusive but perseverance was key. Singing on radio shows and performing wherever he could, Leonard eventually formed the Sons of the Pioneers. It was here that classics like “Cool Water” and “Tumbling Tumbleweeds” were born, songs that brought the vast prairie and rolling tumbleweeds into America’s hearts.
Hollywood already had Gene Autry, but when Republic Pictures sought a new singing cowboy, Leonard took on the name Roy Rogers—a nod to humorist Will Rogers and a strong, rugged name fit for the silver screen. And ride he did: through over a hundred films, radio broadcasts, and television shows that brought the romance of the West into suburban living rooms across the nation.
Roy Rogers was more than just a cowboy in a hat—he was BoxOffice magazine’s top star for nearly a decade. Alongside his wife and on-screen partner, Dale Evans, he created television magic, co-writing and singing the unforgettable “Happy Trails,” a song that still feels like a warm send-off after a long day.
What makes Roy’s legacy truly special isn’t just the fame or fortune, but his heart. Away from the spotlight, he was known for kindness—calling sick children in hospitals, visiting orphanages, and dedicating his life and resources to family and community. Together with Dale, he founded the Happy Trails Children’s Foundation, a beacon of hope for children facing abuse and hardship.
In their hometown of Apple Valley, California, Roy and Dale were simply neighbors, friendly and genuine. Though the Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum in Branson has closed, their spirit lives on—in street names like Roy Rogers Drive and Happy Trails Highway, and in every child who dreams of galloping alongside Trigger in a backyard adventure.
Roy Rogers passed away at 86, with Dale joining him a few years later. They rest side by side in the place they called home, leaving behind a legacy of music, stories, and good deeds that still inspire. In a world always searching for heroes, Roy reminds us that the truest kings ride with courage, kindness, and a song in their hearts.
So here’s to Roy Rogers—the King of the Cowboys—whose campfire continues to burn bright, long after the credits rolled.
Watch the tribute video below and tip your hat to a legend who never truly left the trail.
