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Introduction
The world of country music and rodeo lost a legend this week. Roy Cooper, the iconic rodeo champion known as “Super Looper,” passed away—leaving behind not just a towering legacy in the arena, but a trail of friendship, honor, and deep personal bonds that stretched far beyond the sport.
Among those grieving most deeply is country music superstar George Strait. In a rare public statement released on Wednesday, George shared his heartbreak, following the loss of a man he called family.
“Roy wasn’t just a friend—he was family. We shared memories on ranches, at rodeos, and over countless conversations. He taught me a lot about grit, loyalty, and staying true to who you are. I’ll miss him more than words can say.”
It was a bond few knew about in full. But those closest to them saw it—two Texas-born men, each at the top of their game, bound not by fame, but by a shared code: humility, honesty, hard work, and horses.
Before his death, Roy gave an interview that has since gone viral among fans. In it, he spoke quietly, with that familiar cowboy calm, about the people who meant the most to him. When George Strait’s name came up, Roy paused, smiled, and said:
“George is one of the best friends I could’ve ever had.”
Their friendship wasn’t forged on red carpets or concert stages—it was built in barns, on cattle drives, and through decades of loyalty. Both men shared a love for the land, for the Western way of life, and for staying grounded, no matter how high they soared in their careers.
Strait, often dubbed the “King of Country,” has long been known for keeping a low profile when it comes to his private relationships. But for Roy, he made an exception.
They often appeared together at rodeo events, quietly supporting one another. George even dedicated performances and private moments to Roy’s family, watching Roy’s son—world champion Tuf Cooper—rise up and continue the family legacy in the sport.
Now, as fans around the world remember Roy Cooper the cowboy, George Strait remembers Roy Cooper the friend.
“He had that rare kind of strength that didn’t need to be loud. He made you feel at home. Made you feel proud just to know him,” George wrote. “I’ve lost a friend, and the world’s lost a good man.”
As tributes continue pouring in from the rodeo and music communities, one thing remains clear: Roy Cooper didn’t just rope calves—he roped hearts. And among them, George Strait’s will never forget the quiet cowboy who stood tall in the saddle, and even taller as a man.