When you think of country music royalty, George Strait is usually the first name that comes to mind. He’s the guy with 60 number-one hits and a career that’s basically a masterclass in how to stay relevant for four decades without ever changing who you are. But honestly, if you ask the "King of Country" himself about his biggest win, he’s probably not going to point at a gold record or a trophy case. He’s going to point at the woman who’s been standing next to him since before he ever picked up a professional microphone.
So, who is George Strait married to? That would be Norma Strait (formerly Norma Voss). They haven't just been married for a long time; they’ve been together for over 54 years. In an industry where marriages often have the shelf life of a gallon of milk, that’s not just impressive—it’s nearly unheard of.
The Elopement and the Early Days
George and Norma grew up in the same tiny town of Pearsall, Texas. You know the kind of place—everybody knows everybody’s business. They weren't exactly a whirlwind romance from the jump, though. George has admitted in interviews that they knew each other "forever" but he didn't really think much of her until he finally asked her out one day.
They went on one date. Then? Nothing. They didn't see each other for a long time. It’s kinda funny to think that the King of Country almost "missed the boat," as he puts it. Eventually, he realized he was being a bit of a knucklehead, asked her out again, and this time, it stuck.
On December 4, 1971, the couple didn't wait for a big, fancy production. They headed across the border to Mexico and eloped. George was 19, and Norma was just 17. They did the "official" thing with a small church ceremony back in Pearsall a few weeks later just to keep the families happy, but that Mexican elopement was the real start of their life together.
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From Hawaii to the Big Stage
Not long after they tied the knot, George enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, and Norma went right along with him. It was actually there, while serving his country, that George started playing with an Army-sponsored country band called Rambling Country.
Basically, while most of us are trying to figure out how to cook pasta at 20 years old, George and Norma were living in Hawaii, raising their first child, Jenifer (born in 1972), and laying the groundwork for a music career that would eventually change the genre forever.
Weathering the Storms Together
You can’t talk about George and Norma without talking about the tragedy that shaped them. In 1986, their world was shattered when their 13-year-old daughter, Jenifer, was killed in a car accident in San Marcos, Texas.
It’s the kind of loss that breaks most couples. Honestly, it’s a miracle they stayed as strong as they did. George famously stopped giving most interviews after that. He just shut down to protect his family’s privacy. He and Norma leaned on their faith and each other, eventually founding the Jenifer Strait Memorial Foundation, which still helps children's charities in the San Antonio area today.
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Their son, George "Bubba" Strait Jr., was born in 1981, and he’s been a huge part of George’s world too, even co-writing songs with his dad later in life.
Why Their Marriage Works (According to George)
People always ask what the secret is. Is it the Texas air? The ranch life?
George told People back in 2012 something that really stuck with fans: "We love each other and we still like each other. A lot!" That "like" part is key. Norma was a stay-at-home mom for years while Bubba was growing up, but once he headed off to Texas A&M, she started hitting the road with George.
If you watch the music video for "Codigo," you’ll see her in a rare public appearance, dancing and laughing with George in Mexico. It’s a glimpse into their private world—one built on mutual respect and a genuine friendship that has survived the insane pressure of global fame.
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The 2025/2026 Milestone
Most recently, in December 2025, George was honored at the Kennedy Center Honors. Who was there right by his side? Norma. They’ve now crossed the 54-year mark. Even as George prepares for a massive stadium show at Clemson University’s "Death Valley" in May 2026, you can bet Norma will be backstage or in the front row, just like she’s been since 1971.
What You Can Learn from the Straits
If you’re looking for a takeaway from George and Norma’s story, it’s not about finding a famous singer. It’s about the "boring" stuff that actually builds a life:
- Consistency over Intensity: They didn't need a massive wedding; they needed a solid commitment.
- Privacy is a Choice: They chose to keep their family life out of the tabloids, which probably saved them a lot of headaches.
- Support Goes Both Ways: Norma supported George’s rise, and George protected Norma’s peace.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to support the legacy the Straits have built together, you can look into the Jenifer Strait Memorial Foundation. It's a great way to see how they turned their personal heartbreak into a way to help other kids. Also, keep an eye out for George's 2026 tour dates—seeing the man perform live while knowing the history behind the songs makes the experience a whole lot deeper.