For most of her life, Maria Collins was content with the family she knew. Adopted as an infant and raised by loving parents, she never felt a deep need to search for her biological parents. But a simple DNA test taken around her 40th birthday led to a discovery she never could have imagined: her biological father was Robbie Knievel, son of legendary daredevil Evel Knievel.
What began as curiosity quickly turned into a life-changing journey. Through a combination of prayer, persistence and modern technology, Collins connected with a father she never knew existed. Within days of confirming the connection, she heard from Robbie himself. The two spent the final years of his life building a relationship that neither expected but both treasured.
Collins' story matters because it challenges common assumptions about adoption and family. Her experience shows that discovering biological roots does not diminish the love of adoptive families. Instead, it can add new layers of understanding, healing and connection. Through her story, Collins offers a unique perspective on identity, forgiveness and the meaning of family.
Today, Maria continues to share her story with others interested in adoption and family connections. She works as a Hair stylist in a beautiful small town on the Oregon Coast with her husband, step sons and beautiful grandbabies. Maria said she and her family plan to attend the opening of the new Evel Knievel Museum/Experience in Las Vegas. The attraction, which relocated from Topeka, Kansas, celebrates the legacy of Evel Knievel through memorabilia, interactive exhibits and family history. For Maria, the event represents more than a museum opening—it is another opportunity to learn about her family's story and connect with relatives she never knew she had. She remains close with members of both her adoptive and biological families and is thankful for the unexpected journey that began with a simple DNA test.
1. When did you first learn that Robbie Knievel was your biological father?
The discovery happened unexpectedly after Collins completed a 23andMe DNA test that her adoptive mother had given her as a gift.
While exploring the DNA results during Thanksgiving, she noticed a relative with the last name Knievel. Curious about the connection, she began researching and enlisted the help of a friend who worked as a private investigator. After comparing information and family connections, the evidence pointed to an incredible possibility.
"My friend called me and said, 'If this is accurate, your dad would be Robbie Knievel, and your grandfather would be Evel Knievel,'" Collins said.
At first, she thought it had to be a mistake. The possibility seemed too unbelievable to be true. Within days, they contacted his management team and received confirmation that the connection was real.
2. What was going through your mind when you realized the connection might be real?
Collins describes the experience as surreal, almost impossible to believe.
She had spent years without searching for her biological family, and suddenly she was facing the possibility that her father was one of the most recognizable names in motorcycle stunt history.
She remembers laughing in disbelief and wondering if the discovery could possibly be accurate.
"I thought, you've got to be kidding me," she said.
She remembers feeling shocked, excited and overwhelmed all at once. While the discovery brought many questions, it also gave her an opportunity she never expected—the chance to meet her biological father.
3. How did Robbie react when he learned about you?
According to Collins, Robbie's response was welcoming.
After receiving a message through his management team, he quickly confirmed that he believed he was her father. Rather than hesitation or doubt, she was met with enthusiasm and a desire to build a relationship.
"He said, 'Yes, that was my high school sweetheart. We definitely had a kid,'" Collins recalled.
Within days, they were talking and making plans to meet in person.
Robbie traveled to meet her shortly after they made contact, and she quickly realized they shared many personality traits and mannerisms. She described feeling comfortable around him right away. Rather than focusing on his fame, she saw him as a father who genuinely wanted to know his daughter and make up for lost time.
4. What was it like meeting your father for the first time?
Collins met Robbie in January, and the connection was immediate. Maria said she was surprised by how down-to-earth Robbie was.
Years of unanswered questions seemed to disappear as they began getting to know each other. Rather than feeling like strangers, Collins said they shared similar personalities, mannerisms and even physical traits.
"We could understand each other just by looking at each other," she said.
Despite his reputation as a famous stunt performer, he didn’t talk about his accomplishments. Instead, he focused on family and relationships. She described him as kind, thoughtful and deeply interested in learning about her life, her husband and the family she grew up with.
The experience reinforced something she had never expected: that family connections can sometimes be felt long before they are fully understood.
5. What memories with your father mean the most to you?
Although they only had three years together before Robbie's death in 2023, Collins says they packed a lifetime of memories into that time.
One of her favorite experiences was traveling with him to Butte, Montana, where generations of the Knievel family have roots and the family history began.. Robbie showed her the places he rode motorcycles as a child and shared stories from his youth.
"He showed me all the places he used to ride when he was a kid," Collins said.
She said seeing his hometown through his eyes helped her understand him better and gave her a deeper appreciation for her family's history. She also treasures the simple moments—road trips, meals, conversations and getting to know the man behind the famous name.
One of the most meaningful experiences now after he is gone, Maria shared, was finding feathers during significant moments in her life. What might seem ordinary to others became powerful symbols for her. The feathers served as reminders that she was supported, guided, and moving in the right direction. These experiences strengthened her sense of identity and spirituality, helping her trust herself and embrace her journey with confidence. She could be having a bad day and see a feather and just smile and know he was looking down on her.
6. Did you discover similarities between yourself and your father?
Absolutely.
Collins said she was surprised by how many similarities emerged once they met. Family members pointed out physical features they shared, and she noticed personality traits that felt familiar.
Her adoptive mother even remarked on how much she resembled Robbie after seeing photographs of them together.
"I always thought I had my birth mom's nose, and then I started seeing all these similarities," Collins said.
Beyond appearance, she believes they shared a sense of humor, adventurous spirit and emotional sensitivity.
Maria remarks she is Robbie's only child that rides motorcycles.
7. How did your adoptive family react to the discovery?
Maria said her adoptive family was incredibly supportive. Her mother, who raised her, remained one of the most important people in her life.
One of Maria's most emotional memories involved seeing her adoptive mother and Robbie meet. She recalled the genuine gratitude he showed toward the family that raised her, creating a powerful moment that demonstrated how love and family can exist in many forms.
8. How has adoption shaped the way you view family?
Maria believes adoption gave her the best of both worlds. She was raised by loving parents who provided a stable home and strong values, while later discovering a biological family that welcomed her with open arms. She said she does not regret her adoption and would not trade the life she had.
"I really feel like I had the best of both worlds," Maria said. "I'm grateful for the heritage that I had and the legacy my father created, but I'm also grateful for the parents who raised me and the person I've become because of them."
She explained that family is much more than genetics. The people who love, support and guide you throughout life are just as important as biological connections.
9. Did meeting your father bring healing to your life?
Maria believes meeting Robbie Knievel helped fill a void that neither of them fully understood existed.
Although they only had a few years together, she feels the relationship brought healing to both of them.
"I'm grateful that we got the time we did," she said. "I think it healed both of us."
She explained that many people assume adoptees spend their lives searching for answers, but her experience was less about finding what was missing and more about gaining an unexpected blessing. She feels fortunate that she had the opportunity to know her father before he passed away and to build relationships with siblings and extended family members she never knew existed.
10. What message would you share with others who are considering searching for their biological families?
Maria encourages people to keep an open mind and remember that every adoption story is different. While some reunions may be difficult, others can create meaningful relationships and answers.
She hopes people understand that discovering a biological family does not diminish the love of adoptive families. Instead, it can expand a person's understanding of who they are.
"You get the genetics from one family and the values from another," she said. "It's all part of who you become."
Today, Maria continues to share her story with others.. She remains close with members of both her adoptive and biological families and is thankful for the unexpected journey that began with a simple DNA test.
At a Glance: Maria Collins
Occupation: Hairstylist
Hometown: Bend, Oregon
Current Residence: Waldport, Oregon
Known For: Discovering she was the daughter of Robbie Knievel through DNA testing
Family: Married; stepmother to three sons; grandmother to grandchildren
Hobbies: Motorcycles, camping, fishing, golfing and outdoor adventures
Life-Changing Moment: Connecting with Robbie Knievel after a 23andMe DNA test
Favorite Memory with Robbie: Exploring Butte, Montana, and learning about his childhood
Special Reminder of Her Father: Finding feathers and watching eagles, which she considers signs from him
Message to Others: Family is built through both love and connection, and every adoption story is unique.
Occupation: Hairstylist
Hometown: Bend, Oregon
Current Residence: Waldport, Oregon
Known For: Discovering she was the daughter of Robbie Knievel through DNA testing
Family: Married; stepmother to three sons; grandmother to grandchildren
Hobbies: Motorcycles, camping, fishing, golfing and outdoor adventures
Life-Changing Moment: Connecting with Robbie Knievel after a 23andMe DNA test
Favorite Memory with Robbie: Exploring Butte, Montana, and learning about his childhood
Special Reminder of Her Father: Finding feathers and watching eagles, which she considers signs from him
Message to Others: Family is built through both love and connection, and every adoption story is unique.
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