DALE EVANS
"Oh, Look at Her. Ain't She Pretty?"
Movie Actress - Singer - Author - Songwriter - Wife of Roy Rogers
October 31, 1912 - February 7, 2001
This is how Dale Evans looked at eight o'clock in the morning May 7, 1994 at the Roy Rogers Dale Evans Museum, Victorville, California. "I told you I would bring this Tablecloth back for you to sign. You look fantastic Mrs. Rogers," I said, as we shook hands finally, just after Roy Rogers, Jr. introduced us in the office of Roy Rogers. "You sure don't look like you have been sick at all," I added. She smiled and squeezed my hand harder. "I'm so glad to finally get to meet you Walter."
Roy, Jr. (Dusty) and I had actually arranged this appointment for May 6th but at the last minute Roy and Dale were called to L.A. to finish up a recording session they had started earlier. "Dusty" apologized that she wasn't here for that appointment and let me know they wouldn't return to Victorville till after midnight. "Could you please come back in the morning Mr. Light?" he pleaded. "It's not Mr. Light, Dusty; it's Walter.
I suddenly recalled how I offered to mail The Tablecloth to them to sign in 1985 but they refused and let me know they did not want to take on the responsibility of such an historic and treasured item in the mail. "If you ever get to California please let us know." Seven years later (1992) Roy signed The Tablecloth. Now it is 1994 and I had an opportunity to add the other half of that fabulous couple. How could I possibly refuse Dusty's request?
"Is there a motel nearby Dusty?" I asked without hesitation. "There's one a half a mile down the road and reasonably priced," he pointed. "What time do you want me here?" "Eight o Clock. Dale will be right here at 8:00." "OK Dusty, are you any good at taking pictures?" I asked. "I'm really good with a camera," he answered convincingly.
I arrived at the museum at 7:45 and was ushered into Roy Roger's office. At exactly 8:00 Dale Evans walked through the door looking like she was going to the President's Ball. Special hairdo, makeup, glistening dark red nails, pearls around her neck as well as in her hair. She requested I stand right there and hold The Tablecloth tightly while she signed it. I had the cloth folded to where Roy had signed it. Dusty got two or three pictures of that and then we opened up The Tablecloth for her to look over. We spread it out on Roy's desk. Just about then the big guy, Roy Sr. walked in the room. We shook hands again for my third meeting with him. Dusty got several pictures and even took one of the three of us together. What a delightful historic event this was. Dale Evans has written and recorded several religious songs as well as writing a few religious books. She has always been active in charitable functions for woman's causes She also wrote Roy Roger's theme song "Happy Trails to You," his lifelong trademark.
Dale also appeared in nearly 100 movies with her husband. Queen of the Cowgirls, Queen of the West! This is the legendary Dale Evans.