Paige VanZant is a famous American mixed martial artist, bare knuckle boxer, professional wrestler, author, and model. She has competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, All Elite Wrestling, and Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. She is also known for her appearances in the television shows Dancing with the Stars and Chopped. But is she related to another famous Van Zant, Ronnie Van Zant, the lead singer and founder of the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd?
The Origin of the Surname VanZant
Paige VanZant was born Paige Michelle Sletten on March 26, 1994, in Dundee, Oregon. She grew up dancing ballet, jazz, and hip hop for over 13 years. However, she was bullied in high school by a group of girls who mocked her surname Sletten, which they changed to “Slutton”. She eventually changed her surname legally to VanZant because of the persistent bullying. She chose “VanZant” because it was one of her mother’s students’ last names and she liked the way it sounded.
Ronnie Van Zant was born Ronald Wayne Van Zant on January 15, 1948, in Jacksonville, Florida. He was raised by his parents Lacy and Marion Van Zant. He formed Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1964 with his friends and schoolmates Allen Collins, Gary Rossington, Larry Junstrom, and Bob Burns. The band’s name was a mock tribute to their gym teacher Leonard Skinner, who disapproved of male students with long hair. Ronnie Van Zant died on October 20, 1977, in a plane crash that also killed band members Steve Gaines and Cassie Gaines.
According to genealogical records, Ronnie Van Zant’s paternal ancestors were George Newton Van Zant (1855-1922) and Susan Rebecca Campbell (1857-1921), who were both born in Georgia and moved to Florida. Their son George Newton Van Zant (1876-1926) married Florence N. Peeples (1888-), who was also born in Georgia. Their son Lacy Van Zant (1915-2004) married Marion Virginia Hicks (1929-2000), who was born in Florida. Their son Ronald Wayne Van Zant (1948-1977) was the father of three daughters: Tammy, Melody, and Heidi.
The Verdict: No Relation
Based on the available information, there is no evidence that Paige VanZant and Ronnie Van Zant are related by blood or marriage. They share a common surname that Paige chose herself when she was a teenager. They also have different geographical origins and family histories. Paige’s ancestors were mostly from Oregon and Nevada, while Ronnie’s ancestors were mostly from Georgia and Florida.
Therefore, the rumor that Paige VanZant is related to Ronnie Van Zant is false. However, they are both talented and successful individuals who have made their mark in their respective fields of entertainment and sports.
