If you grew up watching the "King of the Cowboys" gallop across the screen on Trigger, you probably have a soft spot for the Rogers family. But when people start searching for whether the heir to the Stetson, Roy Rogers Jr., is still with us, things get a little murky. There are a few different "Roy Rogers Juniors" out there in the public record—including a former NBA player and a decorated veteran—which makes a simple Google search feel like a wild west shootout of conflicting data.
To answer the burning question: Yes, Roy Rogers Jr. (affectionately known as "Dusty") is still alive in 2026.
However, he isn't exactly the same person you might remember from those high-energy "Sons of the Pioneers" shows or those nostalgic Branson theatre runs. Life changes, and for a man who has lived his entire existence in the shadow of a massive Hollywood legacy, the last few years have been about a very different kind of trail.
Who is Roy "Dusty" Rogers Jr.?
Born in 1946, Dusty was the only biological son of Roy Rogers and his first wife, Arline. After Arline passed away, Dale Evans stepped in, and together they built one of the most famous blended families in American history. Dusty didn't just inherit the name; he inherited the responsibility.
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Imagine being the kid who has to "lengthen the shadow" of a man who was literally a living icon. That’s how Dusty often described it. He didn't want to replace his dad. He just wanted to keep the music playing. For decades, he did exactly that, fronting the Sons of the Pioneers and managing the family’s massive museum collections.
The Big Shift: Retirement and Stepping Off the Stage
If you’ve been looking for tour dates recently and coming up empty, there's a reason for that. Back in late 2022, Dusty made a pretty monumental decision. After basically being in show business since he was in diapers, he decided to retire from active performing with the Sons of the Pioneers.
He was in his late 70s then. Most people retire at 65, so you can't really blame the guy for wanting to hang up the spurs.
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In 2026, Dusty is living a much quieter life. He’s 79 years old now. While he isn't out there yodeling every night under the bright lights of a Branson stage, he hasn't completely disappeared. He still pops up for special events—kinda like a surprise guest star in his own life. For instance, as recently as late 2024 and throughout 2025, he appeared with the Rogers Legacy Trio, which features his own granddaughters. It’s a family business that refuses to quit.
Why the Confusion? (The Other Roy Rogers)
Honestly, it’s easy to see why the "is he alive" rumors start. If you go looking for "Roy Rogers Jr." death notices, you’re going to find a few things that might trick you if you aren't careful:
- The Veteran: There is a record of a Roy Rogers Jr. who passed away in 2015. He was an Air Force veteran. Same name, totally different person.
- The Basketball Coach: There is a Roy Rogers who played in the NBA and coached for the Portland Trail Blazers. He's very much alive and much younger (born in 1973), but sometimes the "Jr." gets attached in casual conversation, leading to massive confusion for Western fans.
- Family Loss: Tragically, Dusty lost his son, Dennis Rogers, recently. When an obituary for a "Rogers" pops up in news feeds, people often skim and assume the worst about the patriarch.
Where is He Now and What is He Doing?
Dusty lives in the Branson, Missouri area—the heart of country and Western nostalgia. He remains a trustee for the Roy and Dale Evans Rogers Children’s Trust. Even though the physical museum in Branson closed years ago (a heartbreak for many fans), the work of managing the intellectual property and the legacy of the "Happy Trails" brand is a full-time gig.
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He’s also been working behind the scenes on a musical project called Happy Trails, which aims to bring the real-life adventures of his parents to a new generation. He’s much more of a "consultant and grandpa" these days than a "frontman."
Living the Legacy in 2026
It’s weird to think of the Rogers family without a constant stage presence, but Dusty has earned the quiet. He spent years acting as the MC for the Pioneers, telling stories about what it was really like growing up with the King of the Cowboys and the Queen of the West. He was the bridge between the Golden Age of Hollywood and the modern era.
If you’re looking to connect with that history today, you don't have to wait for a tour that might never happen. You can still find his recordings, like the album Just Call Me "Dusty", or watch old clips of The Roy Rogers Show where he appeared as a small child.
The man is a living piece of Americana. While he’s definitely slowed down and embraced the retiree lifestyle in Missouri, the "Happy Trails" haven't ended just yet. He’s still here, still protecting the name, and still making sure that when people think of Roy Rogers, they think of the values of the Old West.
How to Keep Up With the Rogers Legacy
- Support the Music: The Sons of the Pioneers continue to tour with a new lineup, keeping the Western swing alive.
- Visit the Official Site: The Roy Rogers official website still manages the family's archives and updates fans on major legacy projects.
- Check Local Listings: If you're in the Branson area, Dusty still occasionally makes "special appearance" cameos at Western-themed galas or symphony events.
To get the most out of your nostalgia trip, look for the Rogers Legacy Trio recordings. It’s the best way to hear how the family’s musical DNA has been passed down to the next generation of women in the Rogers clan.