For years, the question has echoed across internet forums and social media groups: is Jesco White still alive? The legendary “Dancing Outlaw” of West Virginia, a man who became a cult icon for his wild ways and mesmerizing mountain dance, has been the subject of persistent rumors. We can confirm that as of 2025, Jesco White is very much alive, continuing to live his life with the same untamed spirit that made him famous.

Born on July 30, 1956, the Appalachian entertainer is now approaching his late 60s, but the stories surrounding him have only grown. This article clears the confusion, separating fact from fiction and providing an update on the man behind the legend.

Who is Jesco White, the Legendary “Dancing Outlaw”?

Jesco White hails from the rugged hills of Boone County, West Virginia, a place as wild and wonderful as the man himself. He is a folk dancer, entertainer, and a symbol of Appalachian culture, a world often misunderstood by outsiders.

He inherited his unique talent from his father, the renowned mountain dancer D. Ray White. Jesco’s style is a raw, energetic mix of tap and clog dancing, a rhythm born from the mountains themselves. He famously wears his father’s tapping shoes, carrying on a family legacy that has captivated audiences for decades.

The Great Death Hoax: Why People Think Jesco White is Dead

Much of the confusion about Jesco White’s status stems from a death hoax that circulated back in 2013. False news reports claimed he had died from inhaling gas fumes, a story that spread quickly among his fans and followers.

These rumors, though completely unfounded, have had a lasting impact, resurfacing every few years and leading many to believe the Dancing Outlaw was gone. However, these reports were nothing more than a cruel prank, and Jesco has outlived the gossip by more than a decade.

So, Where is Jesco White Now?

A New Home in Tennessee

While he will forever be associated with West Virginia, Jesco White has since relocated. In recent years, he has made a new home for himself in the state of Tennessee.

This move was confirmed in early 2022, when reports and social media posts showed him living a quieter, but no less colorful, life away from his old Boone County stomping grounds. He continues to embrace his Appalachian roots, even in a new setting.

His Life Today

Jesco is not just surviving; he is living. He has been married to Alida Raquel White since 2011, and together they navigate the world. He has faced numerous personal struggles, from addiction to depression, all of which have been publicly documented.

Yet, through it all, his resilience shines through. He remains a figure of fascination, a man who embodies both the hardships and the fierce independence of the Appalachian spirit.

The Man on Screen: Jesco’s Legacy in Film and TV

The “Dancing Outlaw” Documentaries

Jesco was first introduced to the world through a series of powerful documentaries. The 1991 film Dancing Outlaw offered a raw, unfiltered look into his troubled life, earning critical acclaim and turning him into an underground star.

This was followed by Dancing Outlaw II: Jesco Goes to Hollywood and the widely seen 2009 documentary The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia. These films cemented his family’s place in pop culture, showcasing their chaotic and often tragic lives.

From Hollywood to Video Games

Jesco’s fame eventually broke through to the mainstream. He made a memorable, uncredited appearance on the sitcom Roseanne and was later cast in Steven Soderbergh’s 2017 heist film, Logan Lucky.

Perhaps his most unexpected role was in the video game Grand Theft Auto V, where he voiced the DJ of Rebel Radio. His unmistakable voice and personality reached a new generation, proving his appeal transcends both time and medium.

Beyond the Dance: Jesco’s Life as an Artist

While his dancing made him a legend, Jesco has another creative outlet: woodburning. What started as a happy accident nearly two decades ago has turned into a passionate hobby and a small business.

He creates custom woodburning art, often selling pieces through his official website, Jesco White Nation. This venture allows him to connect with his fans on a personal level, offering them a piece of his unique artistic vision.

The Enduring Legacy of an Appalachian Icon

Jesco White is more than just a dancer or a documentary subject. He is a living piece of American folklore, a man who has weathered personal demons, public scrutiny, and even his own death rumors.

As of 2025, the Dancing Outlaw is still here. He is a husband, an artist, and a symbol of a culture that refuses to be forgotten. His story is a testament to the enduring power of a life lived on one’s own terms.