George Strait stayed married to his wife for five decades, during which they welcomed two children. Sadly, the couple lost one of their daughters at thirteen, forcing them to survive a depressing phase.
Legendary singer George Strait has survived several obstacles throughout his career, all the while having his wife, Norma Voss, by his side. Their love story, which has lasted for half a century, first began during their childhood.
According to Strait, he and Voss grew up together in the same small town in Pearsall, Texas. They went on to attend the same high school in their community, South West of San Antonia.
George Strait was Honored as Texan of the Year at the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce on March 23, 2018, in Texas. | Source: Getty Images
While they never thought much of having a relationship with her growing up, his feelings for her eventually sparked in their teenage years. The singer described Voss as the first girl he ever loved.
According to him, he just happened to ask her out and went on a date with her. They parted ways soon after that until Strait realized he missed their time together. Ultimately, he rekindled their relationship and never looked back.
The two tied the knot on December 4, 1971, in Mexico. Shortly after their wedding, the singer enlisted in the U.S Army and served at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, where his wife joined him.
While in Hawaii, the star began the pursuit of his musical career, managing to make it big with his wife's support. Their marriage yielded two children and has blossomed in the last fifty years.
BUILDING A FAMILY TOGETHER
Strait welcomed his firstborn on October 6, 1972, about one year into their marriage. Nine years later, the couple became parents again with the arrival of their second child and only son, George Strait Jr., nicknamed Bubba.
Bubba grew up to become a professional Rodeo Cowboys Association team roper, having begun his competitive Rodeo career as an undergraduate at Texas A&M University. He also inherited his dad's musical talent and co-wrote three songs on his dad's 26th album, "Twang."
Meanwhile, Strait and Voss' firstborn never lived to fulfill her dreams. Sadly, she lost her life on June 25, 1986; that same year, her parents established the Jennifer Strait Memorial Foundation in her honor.
Jennifer died in a tragic accident after the car she was riding in alongside three others lost control, rolled over, and crashed. The incident happened in San Marcos, Texas, with the teenager emerging as the only fatality.
Having his daughter die so tragically at a young age emotionally took a toll on Strait and his wife. In a tribute to his daughter, the crooner admitted he and his family were doing their best to make it through the devastating phase. However, it was not so easy for either of them. Strait resorted to avoiding interviews and the spotlight in general.
George and Norma Strait attend MusiCares Person of the Year honoring Tom Petty Los Angeles Convention Center on February 10, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
According to the star, he decided to take that route even at the cost of his fame because he was unprepared to discuss his daughter's death, and that was the only means he knew how to cope.
Their son, Bubba, who shared a great relationship with his big sister, also struggled to cope with the tragedy. Thankfully, the family managed to survive, learning to cope with their loss with time.
A HAPPY FUTURE AHEAD
Now 70, George has dedicated his life to his family while continuing his musical pursuits. He has excelled in music, with songs like "Ocean Front," "You Know Me Better Than That," "Living and Living Well," and "Wrapped," making him a musical legend.
In his personal life, Strait has become a grandfather with his son's new family. Bubba tied the knot with his wife, Tamara Strait, in December 2010, and the two went on to welcome their two children, Jillian Louise Strait and George Harvey Strait III.
Strait became a first-time grandfather in 2012, following the birth of George Harvey. His second grandkid followed in 2016, making him a doting husband, father, and grandfather of two.
The singer enjoys family time with his grandkid often and strives to be on hand to cheer his son during his games. To dedicate even more time to family, Strait has decided to move from his Hilltop abode in Texas, which was custom-built for him in the 90s.
Before relocating, Strait spent thirty years in the luxury apartment he built following the death of his daughter. It took two years to complete the project. After that, the icon moved in with his family and raised his son there.
George Strait and family attend George Strait Honored as Texan of the Year at New Braunfels' Chamber of Commerce on March 23, 2018, in New Braunfels, Texas. | Source: Getty Images
Notably, despite his success, he never bought another property all those years ago, opting instead to live in the house which honors his late daughter.
Explaining his decision to relocate, Strait's daughter-in-law, Tamara, also the real estate agent in charge of the property, revealed he wanted more space. He also yearned to be in a more rural area, where he could leave peacefully.
George Strait and family pose backstage during the 44th annual Academy Of Country Music Awards' Artist of the Decade held at the MGM Grand on April 6, 2009, in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, he put up the 12-acre home in San Antonio, Texas, for sale for $8.9 million in 2019, eventually clipping the asking price to $7.5 in 2021. The property boasts three bedrooms, six bathrooms, a guest house, an infinity pool, and a spa, all of which sit on 7925-square-foot land.
While things seem to have progressed seamlessly for George Strait since losing his son, the star has seen his fair share of obstacles.
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