Introduction:
The enduring love story of George Strait and his wife, Norma, could easily be mistaken for the plot of a heartfelt romance film. High school sweethearts from a small Texas town, their journey together spans nearly five decades—a testament to timeless love and second chances. Yet, even for the King of Country, there was a moment when he nearly let the love of his life slip away.
While many fans know George Strait as a country music icon, few are familiar with Norma Strait, the quiet force beside him. Their relationship, filled with sincerity and resilience, remains one of country music’s most touching real-life romances.
“Norma was the first girl I ever loved,” George once shared. “We grew up in the same small town and knew each other for what felt like forever. At first, I didn’t think much of it, but one day I asked her out. We went on that date—and then didn’t see each other for a long while. Eventually, I realized, ‘I’m letting something special slip away,’ and that’s when we started dating again.”
In a rare interview with The Tennessean, later shared on their YouTube channel, George Strait offered a glimpse into his creative process, revealing how he selects songs for his albums. Reflecting on the title track “Love is Everything,” Strait remarked, “The world revolves around love… love is something that, if you lose it, it’s gonna hurt.” It’s hard not to see this as a heartfelt nod to his decades-long relationship with his wife, Norma.
The couple’s love story began in earnest in 1971, when they eloped to Mexico just before George enlisted in the U.S. Army. Soon after, they held a modest church ceremony in their hometown of Pearsall, Texas. Like any long-lasting marriage, theirs has endured trials—including the unique pressures that come with fame and personal loss. Yet through it all, George and Norma have remained devoted to one another, weathering life’s challenges side by side.
Today, they split their time between their home in northwest San Antonio and their beloved ranch near Cotulla. In 2012, the Straits celebrated a new chapter as they became grandparents to George Harvey Strait III. Four years later, their granddaughter Jilliann Louise Strait was born.
Now approaching 50 years of marriage, George and Norma Strait stand as a testament to enduring love. Their journey proves that lasting commitment is possible—and that, indeed, love is everything.