You see them every Sunday in the owner's suite at AT&T Stadium. Jerry Jones is usually front and center, either celebrating a touchdown or looking like he’s about to fire everyone in the building. But right next to him, usually composed and elegantly dressed, is the "First Lady of the Dallas Cowboys," Eugenia "Gene" Jones. Because the camera always finds Jerry, people naturally start wondering about the woman by his side—specifically, how old is Jerry Jones' wife?
It’s not just idle gossip. When you’ve been married for over 60 years and you’re part of a multi-billion dollar empire, people get curious about the timeline. Gene isn't just a "plus-one"; she’s the literal backbone of the Jones family.
The Age of Gene Jones: Breaking Down the Numbers
Honestly, getting a straight answer on a celebrity's age can sometimes feel like trying to get a straight answer from a coach about a starting quarterback. But with Gene, the math is pretty clear.
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As of early 2026, Gene Jones is 82 years old. She was born Eugenia Swindell in 1943. To put that in perspective, she’s just a year younger than Jerry, who was born in October 1942. They are essentially the same age, having grown up in the same era and navigated the wild ride of the NFL together since the late 80s.
It’s kind of wild to think about. They met when they were basically kids at the University of Arkansas. While Jerry was busy playing as an offensive lineman for the Razorbacks (he was actually a co-captain on the 1964 national championship team), Gene was making a name for herself as a beauty queen. She actually won Miss Arkansas USA in 1960.
Why People Constantly Ask About Her Age
Most of the curiosity stems from how well she carries herself. In an era where "NFL wife" often brings to mind reality TV drama, Gene Jones is the opposite. She has this timeless, classic look that makes people double-check the calendar.
There's also the "sixty-year" factor. Jerry and Gene tied the knot in 1963. Think about that. They were married before the Cowboys won a single Super Bowl. They were married before the "America's Team" nickname even existed. When they celebrated their 60th anniversary recently, it sparked a whole new wave of searches because people couldn't believe they'd been together that long.
A Timeline of the Jones Partnership
- 1960: Gene wins Miss Arkansas USA.
- Early 1960s: The couple meets on a blind date at the University of Arkansas.
- 1963: They get married while still in college.
- 1989: Jerry buys the Cowboys, and Gene moves into the spotlight.
- 2026: Gene remains a central figure in the Cowboys' philanthropic and artistic efforts at age 82.
More Than Just a Number: Her Role in Dallas
If you think she’s just sitting in the suite watching the game, you’re missing the biggest part of the story. Gene is the one who actually runs the show when it comes to the "brand" of the Cowboys.
Ever been to AT&T Stadium and noticed the massive, museum-quality contemporary art everywhere? That’s her. She’s the one who curated the Dallas Cowboys Art Collection. She wanted the stadium to be more than just a place where guys hit each other; she wanted it to be a cultural landmark.
She also heads up the Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation. While Jerry handles the trades and the TV deals, Gene is usually the one coordinating with the Salvation Army or overseeing the team's massive charity outreach.
Life in the Public Eye at 82
Maintaining a marriage for six decades is hard enough. Doing it while owning the most scrutinized sports franchise on the planet is basically a miracle. Gene has stayed remarkably low-profile despite Jerry's penchant for headlines.
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She’s often described by those close to the family as the "stabilizer." In a 2017 interview with WFAA, she mentioned that she wouldn't change a single day of their journey. That’s a lot of days considering she’s been by his side since the early 60s.
Common Misconceptions
Some people get her confused with other "Gene Joneses" in the public record (there's a well-known character actor with the same name, and a few others in business). But the Eugenia Jones who co-owns the Cowboys has stayed remarkably consistent in her public image. She isn't chasing trends; she's maintaining a legacy.
What to Keep in Mind Moving Forward
When looking at the longevity of the Jones family, Gene’s age is a testament to the "old guard" of the NFL. She represents a generation of owners' wives who were deeply involved in the community and the "soft power" of the league.
If you're following the Cowboys this season, keep an eye on the sidelines or the owner's box. You'll see an 82-year-old woman who has seen every high and low in the team's history.
To stay updated on the Jones family and their impact on the Dallas community:
- Check the Cowboys' official community page to see the latest projects Gene is spearheading through their foundation.
- Look for "The Gambler" docuseries if you want a closer look at their personal dynamic and how they’ve stayed together for over 60 years.
- Take the art tour at AT&T Stadium next time you're in Arlington to see her specific contribution to the franchise's identity.