Most people who live in big cities never think about farmers, ranchers, or cowboys when they turn on the television. The channels are full of city life, sports, and Hollywood news. Patrick Gottsch saw this gap clearly. He grew up on a real working farm in Nebraska, where his family raised corn, soybeans, and cattle. From a young age he understood how important rural America is to the whole country. Yet when he looked at TV, he noticed that people who live and work in the countryside almost never saw their own lives reflected on screen.
That simple observation changed everything. Patrick decided to build television channels made just for rural families, farmers, horse lovers, and fans of the western lifestyle. Against all odds, and after early failures, he succeeded. He created RFD-TV, The Cowboy Channel, and later The Cowgirl Channel. These networks gave millions of people in small towns and on farms a place they could finally call their own on television. His story is one of hard work, belief in rural America, and never giving up.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Patrick Gene Gottsch |
| Born | June 3, 1953 (Omaha, Nebraska) |
| Died | May 18, 2024 (Fort Worth, Texas) |
| Age at Death | 70 |
| Known For | Founder of RFD-TV and The Cowboy Channel |
| Wives | Shirley Hickey (divorced), Angie Good |
| Children | Three daughters |
Early Life on the Farm
Patrick was born in 1953 and grew up on his family’s farm in Elkhorn, Nebraska. His father raised corn, soybeans, and cattle. From a young age, Patrick learned hard work and the rural way of life. This background shaped everything he did later.
He went to college for a short time and later worked as a commodities broker in Chicago. After that, he started a business installing satellite dishes for people in the countryside. While doing that job, he realized something important: farmers and ranchers had almost no TV shows made for them.
Building a Media Empire
In the late 1980s and 1990s, Patrick tried to start a rural TV channel. The first attempt failed. But he did not give up. In 2000, he launched RFD-TV on Dish Network. It was the first 24-hour channel made for rural America, farming, horses, and country living.
Later he added more channels:
- The Cowboy Channel (2017) – focused on rodeo and western sports
- The Cowgirl Channel (2023)
He also created Rural Radio on SiriusXM. His company became known as Rural Media Group. Many people in the rodeo and farming world saw him as a hero because he finally gave them their own TV home.
Family Life
Patrick was married twice.
- His first marriage was to Shirley Hickey. They had two daughters, Raquel and Gatsby. The couple divorced in 1991.
- In 2017 he married Angie Good. They had a daughter named Rose.
His older daughters, Raquel and Gatsby, later joined the family business and help run Rural Media Group today. Patrick also had several grandchildren.
Death and Legacy
Patrick Gottsch died suddenly on May 18, 2024, in Fort Worth, Texas, at the age of 70. The exact cause was not fully public, but family members mentioned health issues including diabetes.
Even after his death, the channels he built continue to serve rural and western audiences. Many people in the rodeo world and farming communities still honor his work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Patrick Gottsch?
He was the founder of RFD-TV, The Cowboy Channel, and The Cowgirl Channel.
When did Patrick Gottsch die?
He died on May 18, 2024, at age 70.
Was Patrick Gottsch married?
Yes. He was married to Shirley Hickey (divorced) and later to Angie Good.
Did Patrick Gottsch have children?
Yes. He had three daughters: Raquel, Gatsby, and Rose.
What is Patrick Gottsch known for?
He created television channels for farmers, ranchers, and fans of rodeo and western life.
Where did Patrick Gottsch grow up?
He grew up on a family farm in Elkhorn, Nebraska.
Sources & Accuracy Note This article uses public information from Wikipedia, The New York Times, The Cowboy Channel, and major news reports. Last updated: August 2026.
