“Scroll down to the end of the article to watch video”
Introduction
George Strait, often celebrated as the “King of Country,” didn’t achieve that title alone. His father, John Byron Strait, played a pivotal role in shaping his journey and instilling in him the values of country life.
Raised on a ranch in a small Texas town, George was immersed in the country lifestyle from a young age. However, it was his father who truly taught him to embrace and live by the ways of the cowboy. This deep connection to his roots was evident when Strait was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in 2021. During his acceptance speech, he paid tribute to his father, highlighting the invaluable lessons that helped mold him into the person he is today.
“My dad’s the one that taught me the ways of the cowboy life,” Strait remarked, emphasizing that his father, who was also a cowboy, was his guiding influence.
John Strait was not only a math teacher at the local junior high but also managed a cattle ranch during the summers. After George’s mother left, John took on the challenging role of raising George and his older brother, Buddy, as a single father. Despite the difficulties, George admired his father for his resilience and dedication.
The country values that John Strait instilled in George have remained with him throughout his life, and he has made it a point to pass these principles on to his own family. Reflecting on his father’s teachings, George noted, “There are certain things you do. You do what needs to be done, you improve your land, and you take care of it so it takes care of you—these were the things he tried to teach me back then. I’ve still got a lot to learn, but I’ve tried to carry that Western heritage with me in my life and career and pass it on to my family.”
John Byron Strait passed away at the age of 91 on June 4, 2013. While the official cause of death was never disclosed, George Strait shared the news with a heartfelt statement, expressing gratitude for the time spent with his father in his final weeks and thanking everyone for their support during the difficult period.
The lessons and values imparted by George Strait’s father continue to influence him deeply, ensuring that his father’s legacy lives on through him and his family.