There’s something magical about George Strait and the way he sings about love in his country anthems, but nothing compares to the real-life romance he shares with his wife, Norma Strait. This isn’t just a love story—it’s an epic tale of devotion, resilience, and a partnership that has stood the test of time. Over the past five decades, the King of Country and his soulmate have built a life filled with laughter, tears, and endless support for one another.
“Norma was the first girl I ever loved,” George once said, his voice dripping with nostalgia. He went on to explain how the two had grown up together in the small town of Pearsall, Texas, where they attended high school as classmates. “We knew each other forever,” he reminisced, painting a picture of simpler times when their connection was just beginning to blossom. According to Wide Open Country, it wasn’t love at first sight—but when the moment came, it was undeniable.
George’s journey toward Norma wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. “I never really thought much about her, but then one day I asked her out, and we went on a date,” he recalled. But life had other plans, and they drifted apart for a while. “We didn’t see each other for a long time after that,” he admitted. Yet, as fate would have it, George eventually realized what was missing from his life. “One day, I thought, ‘I’m missing the boat here,’ and we started dating again,” he marveled, revealing the moment he knew Norma was the one.
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On December 4, 1971, George and Norma sealed their bond by eloping when they were both just 19 years old. A year later, in October 1972, they welcomed their first child, daughter Jenifer. Their family grew again in May 1981 when Norma gave birth to their son, George “Bubba” Jr. But tragedy struck the Strai...ts in the mid-1980s when Jenifer passed away at the age of 13 in a car accident near San Marcos, Texas. Though deeply private, George has credited Norma for standing by him through every challenge, including this heartbreaking loss.
“Norma and I are so blessed that we found each other… and were able to do all of this together, experience this life together, to support each other through everything,” George shared with People in December 2012. “We love each other and we still like each other. A lot!”
Getting to Know Norma Strait
Born on May 18, 1952, in Pearsall, Texas, Norma is as Texan as they come. While George’s career took off, she became the backbone of their family, managing the household and raising their children. As he told People in 2012, “She stayed home until Bubba got out of high school and went to college. Since then, she’s come on the road with me too.” Her unwavering support has been crucial to George’s success, proving that behind every great man is an extraordinary woman.
Keeping Jenifer’s Memory Alive
In honor of their late daughter, the Strai...ts established the Jenifer Strait Memorial Foundation in 1986. The foundation focuses on supporting charitable causes for children and donates to organizations like The Boys & Girls Club in San Antonio and St. Jude’s Ranch. Through private donations and the loyalty of George’s fans, the foundation continues to thrive, ensuring Jenifer’s legacy lives on.
Norma: A Proud Grandma
Norma’s role in the family expanded when she became a grandmother to Bubba’s two children, George III and Jilliann. Reflecting on this milestone, George told People in 2012, “This year, my biggest blessing has been our first grandchild.” Both Bubba and George III have shown an interest in music, carrying on the family tradition. “It’s been great to see Bubba get into songwriting, guitar, and performing,” George shared with Cowboys & Indians in December 2022. “My grandson played drums for a while and may return to it, but right now, it’s all about baseball, hunting, and fishing. And my granddaughter? Well, I’ve heard her sing a little, and she sounds pretty good. Only time will tell where their passions lie, but I’ll support them no matter what.”
