Introduction
George Strait Honors His Lifelong Friend, Rodeo Legend Roy Cooper, with Heartfelt Tribute
Country music icon George Strait has never been one to seek the spotlight off stage—but when it came to honoring his dear friend, rodeo legend Roy Cooper, Strait didn’t hesitate to speak from the heart.
In a moving tribute shared at a recent rodeo event in Texas, George Strait recalled his decades-long friendship with Cooper, a ProRodeo Hall of Famer and one of the most decorated tie-down ropers in rodeo history. The two shared more than just fame—they shared a bond rooted in their mutual respect for the cowboy way of life.
“Roy wasn’t just a champion in the arena,” Strait said. “He was a champion kind of man—loyal, fearless, and humble. He lived the life that most country songs only talk about.”
Their friendship began in the 1980s, when Strait’s music career was taking off and Cooper was dominating the rodeo circuit. Both were proud Texans who believed in hard work, family, and staying true to your roots. Over the years, they supported each other quietly—Strait attending rodeos when he could, and Cooper often showing up backstage at concerts.
During his tribute, Strait shared personal stories—of dusty rodeo arenas, long road trips, and quiet campfire conversations. “We didn’t always talk about music or rodeo,” he said. “Sometimes it was just life—raising kids, losing parents, and figuring out how to stay grounded when the world’s moving fast.”
Cooper, who inspired a generation of young cowboys and mentored countless up-and-coming rodeo stars, left a lasting legacy in the sport. But for Strait, Roy’s greatest achievement wasn’t in his championship buckles—it was in how he treated people.
As the crowd stood for a moment of silence, George Strait closed his tribute with simple but powerful words:
“I was lucky to call him a friend. And I’ll carry his spirit with me every time I step on stage, or ride out into the open country. Ride easy, Roy.”
It was a moment of true respect—from one legend to another—and a reminder that real cowboys never truly ride away.