When you think of George Strait, chances are, you're humming one of his unforgettable country hits like "Amarillo by Morning," "I Cross My Heart," or "All My Ex’s Live in Texas." But there's more to this legendary musician than the stage lights and the music. Behind the scenes, George is a devoted family man, a husband to his longtime love, Norma Strait, and a father to two cherished children. While George isn't one to shout his family life from the rooftops, their story is as compelling and heartfelt as any of his songs.
George and Norma, who tied the knot in 1971, started their family early. Just a year into their marriage, they welcomed their first child, Jenifer Strait. Nearly a decade later, in 1981, their son, George Strait Jr.—affectionately known as Bubba—was born. While the couple has kept their family life private over the years, their love and dedication to their children shine through in every word they’ve shared.
Tragedy struck the Strait family in 1986 when their beloved daughter, Jenifer, was killed in a car accident at the young age of 13. The crash occurred in San Marcos, Texas, when the vehicle she was in lost control, rolled over, and crashed. Despite the presence of three others in the car, Jenifer was the only one who didn't survive. The Jenifer Strait Memorial Foundation was later established in her honor, keeping her memory alive through charitable work.
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At the time of the accident, George and Norma issued a deeply emotional statement. "We will all miss Jenifer very much, and we will never forget her, her smile, and laugh," the message read. "She meant the world to us, and we’ll miss her dearly. We’re doing our best to make it through this, and with your help, we will. Her memory will always be with us." It’s a testament to the strength of their family bond and the enduring love they shared for their daughter.
In the wake of such heartbreak, George took a step back from the spotlight. He opened up to The New Yorker about why he stopped giving interviews during that period. "I just didn’t feel like talking about it, so I quit," he explained. "I did want to keep singing, absolutely, but I was at the point where I said, ‘Alright, if this is going to cost me my career, then so be it, but it’s the only way I’m going to be able to cope with it.’" It’s a raw, honest look at how grief can shape even the most public figures.
Despite the pain, George has spoken fondly of the relationship between his son and daughter. "To watch them together and the way she watched over him made us know he was always safe with her, no matter what," he wrote on the foundation’s website. "He loved her back in the same way, and always will, just as we always will." The nine-year age gap between Jenifer and Bubba meant that she often took on a maternal role, becoming a second mother to her younger brother. While they had their fair share of sibling squabbles, Jenifer always made sure Bubba felt like the winner in the end.
Bubba Strait: Continuing the Family Legacy
Bubba, born on May 14, 1981, is a proud Aggie, having graduated from Texas A&M University. Following in his father's footsteps of hard work and dedication, Bubba carved out his own path in the world of competitive rodeo. He quickly became a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association team roper, earning accolades and respect in the rodeo circuit. George couldn't be prouder of his son's achievements. "It’s the greatest feeling in the world to watch my son win a roping, or even to just watch him compete," George shared in a 2004 interview with The Team Roping Journal. "Bubba and I have been fortunate to win a couple of buckles together, and that, my friends, is the ultimate."
Bubba's talents extend beyond the rodeo arena. He's also a gifted singer and songwriter, contributing to his father's 2009 album, Twang. In addition to his rodeo and music career, Bubba has built a happy family life. He’s been married to Tamara Strait since December 2010, and together they have two children, Jilliann Louise Strait and George Harvey Strait III.
George has openly expressed pride in his son and grandchildren's talents. "It’s been great to see Bubba get into songwriting, guitar, and performing," he told Cowboys & Indians in December 2022. "I love writing with him, and we’ll have some new things for the next record. My grandson played drums for a while and will probably go back to it at some point, but right now it’s baseball for him, plus hunting and fishing. I’ve heard a little singing from time to time from my granddaughter. She sounded pretty good. It’s way too early to predict something like that, but I’ll encourage them in whatever it is they decide to do."
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Jenifer Strait: A Life Honored Through Legacy
George’s first child, Jenifer, was born on October 6, 1972. Though her life was tragically cut short, her legacy continues to inspire. The Jenifer Strait Memorial Foundation, established in 1986, carries on her name by supporting charitable causes for children. The foundation focuses its donations on various nonprofit organizations, including The Boys & Girls Club in San Antonio and St. Jude’s Ranch. The foundation thrives mainly through private donations, often coming from friends and devoted Strait fans over the years.
Jenifer’s memory is not just preserved through the foundation but also in the hearts of those who knew her. Her role as a loving sister to Bubba and a cherished daughter to George and Norma remains a cherished part of the Strait family story. Even though her time on this earth was brief, her impact continues to resonate through the lives she touched and the charities she inspired.
