Life and career
Ritter was married to actress Dorothy Fay (June 14, 1941-his death January 2, 1974). They had two sons, Thomas Ritter and well-known American television star John Ritter (Three's Company). He is also the grandfather of Jason Ritter.

Personal life
Ritter had his last recording session for Capitol Records in 1973. His last song, "The Americans," became a posthumous hit shortly after his death. In 1974, he had a heart attack and died in Nashville. He is interred in Oak Bluff Memorial Park, Port Neches, Texas.
For his contribution to the recording industry, Tex Ritter has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6631 Hollywood Blvd. In 1980, he was inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Filmography
Tex Ritter can also be heard as the voice of Big Al. Big Al is the fattest bear at the Country Bear Jamboree attraction located in the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. His character sings "Blood on the Saddle" and continues through the finale as the rest of the cast attempts to drown him out.