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The Unseen Force: 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Gene Jones, The Dallas Cowboys’ Matriarch And Curatorial Icon

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Gene Jones, the wife of Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, is far more than a fixture in the owner’s box; she is the quiet, powerful force who has shaped the franchise's culture, philanthropy, and aesthetic identity for decades.

As of December 20, 2025, her influence remains at an all-time high, highlighted by her recent prestigious recognition from The Salvation Army and her ongoing, hands-on curation of the world-renowned Dallas Cowboys Art Collection, a unique initiative that bridges professional sports with high-end contemporary art.

Gene Jones: A Complete Biography and Profile

Eugenia “Gene” Jones has maintained a low profile compared to her high-energy husband, Jerry Jones, but her impact on the Dallas Cowboys organization and the North Texas community is undeniable. She is often affectionately referred to as the "Mother of the Dallas Cowboys."

  • Full Name: Eugenia "Gene" Jones (née Chambers)
  • Spouse: Jerral Wayne "Jerry" Jones Sr. (Married for over 60 years)
  • Children: Charlotte Jones Anderson (Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer), Stephen Jones (Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President, and Director of Player Personnel), and Jerry Jones Jr. (Chief Sales and Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President).
  • Alma Mater: University of Arkansas (where she met Jerry Jones)
  • Early Life: Former beauty pageant queen.
  • Role with Dallas Cowboys: Matriarch, Philanthropist, and Co-owner (with her husband). She is the driving force behind the Dallas Cowboys Art Collection.
  • Notable Quote: She calls herself the "Mother of the Dallas Cowboys."
  • Key Initiatives: Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation, Dallas Cowboys Art Collection, and extensive community involvement with organizations like The Salvation Army and the Austin Street Center.

The Curatorial Force: Gene Jones and the Dallas Cowboys Art Collection

One of Gene Jones’s most surprising and enduring legacies is her role as the lead curator and visionary behind the Dallas Cowboys Art Collection, housed at AT&T Stadium and The Star in Frisco. This passion project began when the stadium was under construction, as Gene realized the massive structure needed a soul to complement its scale.

The collection, which is estimated to be worth over $50 million, has transformed AT&T Stadium from a mere sports venue into a cultural destination.

A Museum Within a Stadium

Gene Jones has worked meticulously to assemble a collection featuring works from some of the biggest names in the visual art universe. Her goal was to create a space where art is accessible to everyone, not just those who frequent traditional museums. The program is an unprecedented effort in professional sports, blending world-class athletics with world-class contemporary art.

  • Scope of the Collection: The collection has grown to feature nearly 100 works by over 50 artists, including international and local talents.
  • Art Council: Gene works closely with an Art Council composed of noted curators and collectors to advise on the program's selections, ensuring the collection maintains a high level of artistic integrity.
  • Inspiration: The construction of the stadium itself led her to a "love affair with art" that she is now using to change lives through appreciation and exposure.
  • Key LSI Entity: The Dallas Museum of Art has even had its curators assist in selecting the program's offerings, underscoring the seriousness of the initiative.

This curatorial role positions Gene not just as a supportive spouse, but as an influential cultural figure in her own right, cementing her status as a patron of the arts in North Texas.

The Heart of the Franchise: Philanthropy and Community Impact

Beyond the multi-billion dollar business and the high-art collection, Gene Jones’s primary focus is on giving back to the community through the Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation. This foundation serves as the main vehicle for the family’s extensive philanthropic efforts, placing just as much emphasis on community leadership as on the team's performance.

Her commitment to local and national causes has been recognized with the most current and highest honors.

Recent Honors and Initiatives (2025 Updates)

Gene Jones' dedication to serving others has been recently highlighted by major awards and ongoing support for critical organizations:

  • The Salvation Army Distinguished Service Award (January 2025): The Salvation Army bestowed its highest Distinguished Service Award upon Gene Jones. This recognition in early 2025 underscores her unwavering commitment to national and local initiatives that provide aid and support to those in need.
  • Austin Street Center Support: The Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation continues to be a major supporter of local charities, including the Austin Street Center. The family’s involvement is crucial to events like the center's 2025 Humble Beginnings Luncheon, demonstrating a continuous commitment to addressing homelessness and poverty in the Dallas area.
  • Tiniest Texans Initiative: The Jones family has also been involved in major hospital initiatives, notably supporting the launch of the "Tiniest Texans" initiative through the Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation, emphasizing their focus on children's health.

Her work with the foundation ensures that the Cowboys brand extends far beyond the football field, creating a positive impact on countless lives throughout the region. This hands-on approach to charity is a hallmark of her leadership style.

The Matriarchal Influence on the Dallas Cowboys Family

Gene Jones is affectionately known as the "Mother of the Dallas Cowboys" for a reason. Since Jerry Jones purchased the team for a then-record $140 million in 1989, Gene has been a constant, supportive presence, reportedly not missing a single game.

Her influence is also evident in the next generation of the Jones family. All three of her children—Charlotte Jones Anderson, Stephen Jones, and Jerry Jones Jr.—hold key executive positions within the organization, a testament to the family-first management style she helped foster.

While Jerry Jones is the charismatic, risk-taking billionaire owner, Gene is often described as his "rock," providing the stability and foundation necessary for the franchise's decades of success. Her behind-the-scenes work, whether curating masterpieces or spearheading major charity drives, is what truly defines her essential role in the Dallas Cowboys’ global empire.

gene jones dallas cowboys
gene jones dallas cowboys

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