George Strait's Family: The Heartwarming And Heartbreaking Story Of A Country Music Legend

When you think of George Strait, you probably picture the man behind timeless country hits like “Amarillo by Morning,” “I Cross My Heart,” and “All My Ex’s Live in Texas.” But beyond the music, there’s a deeply personal side to this legendary artist that many fans might not know much about. George Strait is not just a singer-songwriter; he’s also a devoted family man. Although he keeps his family life mostly private, the love he has for his children shines through in every word he speaks about them.

George Strait, alongside his wife of over five decades, Norma Strait, has built a life filled with both joy and heartbreak. Together since 1971, they’ve raised two children—a son named George Strait Jr. (affectionately called Bubba) and their late daughter, Jenifer Strait. Their first child, Jenifer, was born just one year after their wedding, in 1972. Nearly a decade later, in 1981, Bubba came into the world, completing their tight-knit family unit.

Tragically, George and Norma faced unimaginable pain when their beloved daughter Jenifer passed away in a car accident at the young age of 13. On June 25, 1986, the vehicle she was riding in lost control, rolled over, and crashed near San Marcos, Texas. Despite being with three others who survived, Jenifer didn’t make it. Her untimely death left an indelible mark on the Strait family, one that George has spoken about with raw emotion.

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In a heartfelt statement following the accident, George shared his family’s grief with the world. “We will all miss Jenifer very much, and we will never forget her, her smile and laugh,” he said. “She meant the world to us, and we’ll miss her dearly. We’re doing our best to make it through this with your help we will. Her memory will always be with us.” These words reflect the depth of love and loss the Straits experienced during this difficult time.

Following Jenifer’s passing, George took a step back from the limelight. In a rare interview with The New Yorker, he opened up about why he stopped giving interviews altogether. “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’m [like], ‘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.’” This decision highlights how deeply personal and private George wanted to keep his family’s healing process.

Though George rarely discusses his family publicly, he once reflected on the special bond between his children. “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 Jenifer Strait Memorial Foundation’s website. “He loved her back in the same way, and always will, just as we always will.” Their nine-year age difference didn’t stop Jenifer from becoming a second mother figure to Bubba, creating a unique sibling dynamic filled with both love and occasional disagreements.

Meet Bubba: George Strait Jr.

Bubba, George Strait Jr., was born on May 14, 1981, bringing new life and joy to the Strait household after the loss of his sister. Growing up, Bubba followed in his father’s footsteps in more ways than one. A graduate of Texas A&M University, he carved out his own path as a competitive rodeo star before joining the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association as a team roper.

“It’s the greatest feeling in the world to watch my son win a roping, or even to just watch him compete,” George proudly told The Team Roping Journal in 2004. “Bubba and I have been fortunate to win a couple of buckles together, and that my friends, is the ultimate.” Clearly, father and son share a bond rooted in mutual admiration and shared passions.

Beyond rodeo, Bubba has also explored his creative side as a singer and songwriter. In 2009, he co-wrote three songs and penned one solo track for his dad’s 26th studio album, Twang. It’s a testament to the musical legacy George has passed down to his son.

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Bubba’s personal life is just as fulfilling. He’s been happily married to Tamara Strait since December 2010, and together they have two beautiful children: Jilliann Louise Strait and George Harvey Strait III. George himself has spoken fondly of his grandchildren’s budding 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.”

Remembering Jenifer Strait

Jenifer Strait, George’s firstborn, entered the world on October 6, 1972, and quickly became the center of her parents’ universe. Though her life was tragically cut short at the age of 13, her memory continues to inspire those around her. In honor of her legacy, the Jenifer Strait Memorial Foundation was established shortly after her passing in 1986.

According to the foundation’s website, its mission is to promote charitable causes benefiting children. Over the years, it has donated generously to organizations such as The Boys & Girls Club in San Antonio and St. Jude’s Ranch. The foundation has thrived primarily through private donations, often coming from loyal Strait fans who have kept Jenifer’s memory alive through their support.