George Strait Pays Touching Tribute to Dearly Departed Friend

For legendary country music singer George Strait, this year’s Memorial Day wasn’t just about honoring departed soldiers. At the Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas, the singer paid a tearful tribute to a long-time friend, rodeo champion Roy Cooper. In a YouTube video from the event, Strait shared a truly heartfelt message about Cooper, struggling to hold back tears as he did so.

“A few months ago, we couldn’t possibly have imagined that this is where we’re gonna be this Memorial Day,” Strait began. He then let the audience know just how much Cooper meant to him. “Roy was one of my very best friends. I can count those on one hand. He was my hero.”

Cooper Perished in a House Fire in April 2025

Cooper, a Rodeo Hall of Fame member, was just 69 years old when he died. As People reported, the rodeo cowboy perished in a house fire in Texas on April 29th. The publication also shared that Cooper was willing to bestow a very special honor on Strait: his prized belt buckle, something he religiously wore on a regular basis.

 “Actually, I would give it to George Strait if he would wear it,” Cooper told PRORODEO Sports News in 2023, two years before he died. “I would because he’s one of my very best friends.” The day after Cooper’s death, Strait took to X with a simple but touching post in honor of his friend. “We’ll miss you amigo,” Strait concluded the post. “I’ll come find you one day.”

Strait Shared His Favorite Memories of Cooper at the Memorial Day Service

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During his emotional tribute to Cooper on Memorial Day, Strait regaled the audience with his favorite memories of the rodeo star. As the singer shared, Cooper tried to strike up a connection with the iconic Stevie Nicks at a Kentucky Derby after-party one year. According to Strait, his rodeo star friend made quite an impression on Nicks.

“I swear, years later I ran into her somewhere and she said, ‘Hey, where’s that crazy cowboy friend of yours that tried to rope me in the derby that night?'” Strait said, earning a chuckle from the audience. The singer got emotional, clearly needing a moment to compose himself. “I miss him so much,” Strait said. “He was a good man.”