Little People, Big World Alum Amy Roloff's Dad Gordon Dead at 97

Oct 27, 2026 - 17:05

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Little People, Big World Alum Amy Roloff's Dad Gordon Dead at 97

Little People, Big World alum Amy Roloff's dad Gordon Knight died on Oct. 5 at the age of 97, her son Jacob Roloff confirmed: “Haven’t necessarily slowed down enough to process that properly.”

By Sasha Wayman Oct 27, 2026 1:16 PM

| Updated 41 minutes ago

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Amy Roloff’s family is facing a devastating loss.

The Little People, Big World alum’s father Gordon Knight—who made occasional appearances on the family’s long-running TLC series—has died, Amy and ex-husband Matt Roloff’s son Jacob Roloff confirmed. He was 97.

“My grandpa passed away 3 weeks ago,” Jacob wrote on Instagram Oct. 27 alongside photos of his grandfather. “Haven’t necessarily slowed down enough to process that properly.”

But as he continues to grieve, the 29-year-old has been able to reflect on Gordon’s profound impact on his upbringing alongside siblings Jeremy Roloff, Zachary Roloff and Molly Roloff.

“I always hoped and looked forward to visiting him and my grandma in Michigan as a kid,” Jacob wrote. “He may have intimidated me a bit, as grandpas can do, but he would smile and wink and you could feel softness.”

“He loved having family crowd into the lawn in tents, hammocks, cars, cots, he just enjoyed seeing everyone,” Jacob continued. “He built the cabin with just him and my grandma in mind and found it surprising how large the family grew, but he loved it. He made us grandkids walking sticks, took us canoeing, and my only 2 times fishing were with him.”

Indeed, Gordon lived life to the fullest until his very last moments, which included spending time with Jacob and wife Isabel Rock’s 4-year-old son Mateo.

“He was cleaning his muzzleloaders and driving his corvette 4 months ago,” Jacob explained. “97 years old.”

“Very admirable person who kept active, kept social, kept kind, kept reading, kept living,” he added. “I’m glad Mateo got to have some time up there with him.”

Instagram/Amy Roloff

Amy, 64, also spoke out about Gordon’s passing, taking to the post’s comments section to share how she’s “going to miss him lots too.”

“So many memories,” she wrote. “Never often enough to take all you four kids to see grandma and grandpa over the years. I’m happy you had a chance to go and visit grandpa with me as an adult. I hope each one of you will have a special fond memory of him.”

Gordon was “known for his witty sense of humor as well as his ability to create, build, and survive,” according to his obituary.

He worked as a civil/structural engineer for Ford Motor Company for 30 years and enjoyed participating in historical re-enactments during retirement.

Gordon was also dedicated to his loved ones. And before his passing, Amy shared insight into soaking up all the time she could with him.

“I cherish each moment I get to have with you,” she wrote on Instagram in 2024. “ I love you Dad Don't let moments pass you by. Grab them when you can.”

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