Annie
Little People, Big World star Amy Roloff is grieving the loss of her father. Gordon Knight died earlier this month at 97, and her family shared the news publicly this week.
What We Know
Knight died on Monday, October 5, at age 97. Amy’s son Jacob Roloff confirmed the news in an Instagram post, saying his grandfather had passed away three weeks earlier. One outlet dates the post to Monday, October 26 and another to Tuesday, October 27, so we’ve kept the timing general. Jacob added that he hadn’t yet slowed down enough to process the loss properly.
How Amy Responded
Amy has not shared a long tribute of her own. She did leave a comment on Jacob’s post saying she will miss her father lots, and wrote “So many memories.” She also said she wished she had been able to take her four children to see their grandparents more often, and she was glad Jacob went with her to visit as an adult.
Who Was Gordon Knight?
Knight worked as a civil and structural engineer at Ford Motor Company for 30 years, according to his obituary. The obituary also says he loved driving his sports car and took part in historical reenactments in retirement. He made occasional appearances on his daughter’s TLC series. Jacob remembered childhood trips to visit his grandparents in Michigan.
A Message About Time
Amy’s last public post about her dad now reads very differently. In a 2024 Father’s Day tribute, she shared a photo of the two smiling with glasses raised. She wrote at the time, “Don’t let moments pass you by.” It is a quiet reminder to call the people you love.
Not the First Loss
Amy’s mother, Patricia Knight, died at 86. For many fans who followed the family on TV, the loss of both parents is a hard chapter to watch.
Life After Little People, Big World
TLC canceled Little People, Big World in 2024. The show ran for 25 seasons and followed the family at Roloff Farms. Since then, Amy has returned to teaching as a substitute teacher, and fans have praised her for it. She also founded the Amy Roloff Charity Foundation in 2009, opened an online bakery called Amy Roloff’s Little Kitchen in 2016, and works as a motivational speaker.
Family
Amy, 64, shares four children with ex-husband Matt Roloff: Jeremy, Zachary, Molly, and Jacob. She is now known as Amy Roloff Marek.
Quick Facts
- Born: September 17, 1962
- Profession: TV personality, author, baker, motivational speaker
- Known for: Little People, Big World (TLC)
- Father: Gordon Knight (died October 5, 2026, aged 97)
FAQ
Who was Amy Roloff’s father?
Gordon Knight, a retired Ford engineer who sometimes appeared on her show.
How old was he?
97.
Is Little People, Big World still on TV?
No. TLC canceled it in 2024 after 25 seasons.