John Schneider shares heartfelt tribute after wife tragically dies aged 53

The Dukes Of Hazzard actor John Schneider has shared a heartfelt tribute to his late wife after she passed away at just 53 years old.

Alicia Allain was known as a producer and actor, mum to her daughter Jessica, and she became stepmother to Schneider's children when the pair tied the knot in 2019.

Yesterday (22 February), Schneider took to social media to confirm that his wife had passed away after less than five years of marriage.

John Schneider/Facebook

Alongside pictures showing Allain smiling and the happy couple holding hands, the actor wrote: "My beautiful Smile is pain free, living in her new body alongside Jesus. Please respect our privacy during this time of grief."

No cause of death has been given, and Schneider requested that people 'do not ask any questions'.

In his post, he continued: "If you have any pictures of us and our obvious love and adoration for each other, please post them below. Lastly… hug those you love tight and let them know how you feel. We always did."

An obituary published online by Wilbert Funeral Home in Plaquemine, Louisiana, said Allain died on 21 February at her home, where she was surrounded by her family.

@johnschneider/Instagram

"She was a native of Brusly and resident of Holden. Alicia was a proud mom and smile to her husband,’ the obituary said.

It continued: "From Brusly to Hollywood and back, Alicia was a force that inspired others, she was kind and generous to all she met. She always put herself last.

"She was very protective of her parents. She was mama bear that protected all her cubs. She was a fighter until the end. Alicia will be missed mighty."

Allain's family is set to honour her with a private service, though well wishers are being asked to send prayers instead of flowers.

John Schneider/Facebook

"Say prayers for her surviving family, tell someone you love that you love them in her honor, hug them and hold them tight," the obituary said.

Fans have flooded Schneider with condolences, while his former co-star Tom Wopat also took to Facebook to express his sorrow over Allain's death.

“My thoughts and prayers are with him, along with the thoughts and prayers of the entire Dukes nation. Alicia was a force in his life and his career, and she will be missed," he wrote.

As well as Schneider and their children, Allain is survived by her parents, brother and her granddaughter.