Watch the video at the end of this article.
Introduction
George Strait recently delivered a heartfelt tribute to his “hero,” rodeo legend Roy Cooper, who passed away in a North Texas house fire in late April.
Cooper, a ProRodeo Hall of Famer known as “The Super Looper,” was 69 years old when he died in the fire at his home near Decatur, Texas.
During a memorial service held at Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, Strait spoke emotionally about his decades-long friendship with Cooper. He described Cooper as “my hero” and one of his “very best friends,” sharing both humorous anecdotes and poignant reflections on their time together. Strait even recounted a story of Cooper attempting to “lasso” Stevie Nicks at a Kentucky Derby after-party.
Strait was visibly shaken during his speech, at one point stepping back to compose himself, emphasizing the deep impact of Cooper’s loss. He had also shared a tribute on social media shortly after Cooper’s passing, expressing his sorrow and calling him his “hero.” Other country stars and rodeo legends, including Reba McEntire and Tanya Tucker, also paid their respects to Cooper.