George Strait: A Lifetime of Love and Music - The Kennedy Center Honors 2025
George Strait, a renowned country music artist, was honored as one of the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees. The ceremony took place on December 7 and will be broadcast on CBS and Paramount+ on Tuesday, December 23. Throughout his successful career, George has been supported by his wife, Norma Strait, with whom he has been married for over 50 years.
George and Norma first met as high school students in Texas and eventually started dating after a chance encounter. They eloped in Mexico in December 1971 and later had a small ceremony in their Texas hometown. In the same year, George enlisted in the United States Army as an infantryman and the couple lived in Hawaii until 1975.
During their marriage, George and Norma welcomed two children. Their daughter, Jenifer, was born in 1972 while they were living in Hawaii, and their son, George "Bubba" Strait Jr., was born in 1981. Bubba, who is a musician like his father, has two children with his wife, Tamara, named George "Harvey" Strait III and Jiliann Strait.
Tragically, Jenifer passed away in a car accident in June 1986 at the age of 13. The accident occurred in Texas, and the driver, Gregory Wilson Allen, was charged with Class A vehicular homicide. Norma, who was a stay-at-home mother, later joined George on the road after their children grew up. The couple founded the Jenifer Lyn Strait Foundation in 1986 to support charitable causes for children.
Despite the challenges they faced, George and Norma's relationship has remained strong over the years. They continue to support each other and their charitable endeavors. Don't miss the Kennedy Center Honors 2025 ceremony airing on Tuesday, December 23 on CBS and Paramount+.