Chuck Norris’ family is mourning the loss of the action icon. The family of the “Walker, Texas Ranger” and martial arts legend announced his death March 20. His two youngest children took a moment to pay tribute to him with poignant messages on social media. “Dad, it’s hard to fi nd the right words for this, but I’ll do my best. You’ve been the man I looked up to my whole life,” his son Dakota Norris wrote on Instagram on March 20, captioning several photos of them together. “Your generosity, your kindness, your courage, your integrity, your strength, your discipline, and your faith in the Lord were just a handful of things I always admired about you. You lived your life with purpose and with love for all people.” In Memoriam Mar 20 Sylvester Stallone, Jean-Claude Van Damme and more react to Chuck Norris' death Immigration 13 hours ago Children's entertainer Ms. Rachel has a new cause: Freeing kids from ICE detention Celebrity News 20 hours ago Nicholas Brendon, who played Xander on ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer,' dies at 54 Dakota Norris praised his father for his presence in his life and the wisdom he’s provided. “You were the greatest father God could have ever given me and the finest man I’ve ever known,” he wrote. “No matter what I was going through, you were always there. You made sure I knew how much you loved me. Honest to God, I don’t think there was a single day that went by where you didn’t say it. I’m so proud to be your son. The memories we made, the lessons you taught me, and the constant laughs we shared will stay with me for the rest of my life. “Thank you for everything you gave to our family and for the example you set every day. I hope I can live a life that honors you and makes you proud. “I love you, Dad. I’ll miss you forever,” he ended the post. Chuck Norris had five children. He welcomed sons Mike and Eric with his ex-wife Dianne Holechek in 1962 and 1965, per People, then had twins Dakota and Danilee with wife Gena O’Kelley in 2001. He also had a daughter, Dina, in 1964 from a previous relationship. Danilee Norris also honored her father in an Instagram post March 20. “I don’t think grief is a good enough word to describe the emotions my family and I are going through right now. Losing a parent is something that you are never prepared for,” she began her post, which featured a series of pictures of the pair over the years.  “Before I take the much needed time for myself and my family, I wanted to dedicate this post to my sweet father and acknowledge the amazing man he is,” she continued. Danilee Norris saluted her father for being “my protector,” while she was “his little girl.” She also noted how he balanced his tough guy image with being someone who was so loving. “My dad loved so deeply and cared for every single person in his life with so much tenderness,” she wrote. “He may have a warrior exterior, but his heart was so full of love and I’m so grateful that is something he and my mom passed down to me.” She also expressed her appreciation that she had him as a father. “To say how thankful I am for him being my dad is an understatement,” she said.  “He has been my safe person these past 24 years and I am constantly filled with gratitude for how much wisdom and love he has bestowed me and my brother. I will forever carry on his legacy and shower others in that compassion that he so frequently showed.” Danilee Norris also said she has a lifetime of memories she could share. “I could not have asked the Lord for a more amazing father. I thank You, Lord, for blessing me with a father who took every opportunity to show me that he wanted to give us a good life,” she wrote.  “And thank you, Dad, for supporting me in all my passions and for pushing me to not shy away from the impossible. Thank you for your constant compassion and for loving me so much that it’s made me learn to love myself. I promise I will always and forever try to make you proud even if you already reminded me every day that it was impossible not to. I love you forever.” Chuck Norris’ death was felt beyond his family. Fellow action star Sylvester Stallone also paid tribute to him. “I had a great time working with Chuck. He was All American in every way. Great man and my condolences to his wonderful family,” he captioned a photo on Instagram of them together in “The Expendables 2.” Dolph Lundgren, who also starred in “The Expendables 2,” shared a photo of them together. “Chuck Norris is the champ,” he wrote on Instagram. “Ever since I was a young martial artist and later getting into movies, I always looked up to him as a role model. Someone who had the respect, humility and strength it takes to be a man. We will miss you, my friend. ✨” The WWE posted a statement on its website grieving Chuck Norris. “WWE is saddened to learn that legendary Hollywood actor and pop culture icon Chuck Norris has passed away,” it began. “A legend in the television and film industry with iconic projects such as ‘Walker Texas Ranger,’ ‘The Way of the Dragon,’ and many more, Norris became one of the most recognizable stars in Hollywood with his martial arts background playing a key role in his films and shows.” The WWE also recalled Chuck Norris’ own involvement with the wrestling world, citing his “iconic appearance at Survivor Series 1994″ and noting how he “delivered a devastating roundhouse kick to Jeff Jarrett.” Texas Gov. Greg Abbott also released a statement paying tribute to Chuck Norris. “Texas has lost a legend. All of Texas mourns the passing of Chuck Norris,” he wrote on X.  “He was not only a martial arts champion, action icon, and the one and only Walker, Texas Ranger. But he electrified generations of conservatives. Giving them a passion and voice to fight for the principles that make America the greatest nation on earth.He embodied the toughness, grit, and patriotism that makes Texas supreme. Rest in peace, Chuck.” This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY: ‘Very Active’ Dad, 37, Thought He Had Sore Abs. It Was Stage 4 Colon Cancer What James Van Der Beek Shared About His Colon Cancer Battle, From Symptoms to Treatment Criscilla Anderson, Ex-Wife of Country Singer Coffey Anderson, Dies at 45 of Colon Cancer ...read more read less