George Strait Breaks Down During Emotional Tribute at Roy Cooper’s Funeral

Country music legend George Strait delivered a powerful and tearful tribute at the funeral of his longtime friend and rodeo icon, Roy Cooper, on May 26, 2025. The emotional ceremony took place at the historic Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas, honoring a man whose influence on the world of rodeo and friendship touched countless lives.

Rodeo Legend Roy Cooper Tragically Dies in House Fire at 69

Roy Cooper, widely known as “The Super Looper,” tragically passed away on April 29, 2025, in a devastating house fire at his home in Decatur, Texas. He was 69 years old. The heartbreaking news was confirmed by his son, Tuf Cooper, in a family statement.

“It is with great sadness that our family shares the passing of our Dad, The Super Looper, Roy Cooper,” Tuf shared. “We’re all in shock and at a loss for words from this tragedy.”

Cooper’s unmatched legacy in professional rodeo earned him seven individual world titles—six in tie-down roping and one in steer roping, along with the coveted All-Around World Championship. He was one of only ten cowboys to claim the Triple Crown of Rodeo, and his legendary status was sealed when he was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame’s inaugural class in 1979.

George Strait Mourns a True Cowboy and Lifelong Friend

For George Strait, the loss was deeply personal. The two formed a close friendship decades ago, bonding over their shared love for rodeo, music, and faith.

“We lost our good friend and my hero Roy Cooper yesterday. He’s with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ now. God be with the Cooper family and friends. We’ll miss you amigo. I’ll come find you one day,” Strait wrote in a heartfelt social media post.

Their friendship began when Cooper was invited to meet Strait at an event in Oklahoma City.

“Me and him sat there and talked for two hours before he had to play. We just connected,” Cooper once said. “He’s one of the best friends I could’ve ever had.”

Cooper even said he would give his prized 1983 PRCA All-Around buckle to Strait—because, in his words, “he’s one of my very best friends.”

Strait’s Funeral Speech Honors Cooper’s Legacy and Spirit

During the moving memorial service, Strait stood before friends and family to deliver a speech filled with laughter, tears, and admiration.

“He was my hero,” Strait said, his voice breaking. “We shared a lot of good and bad times together. He didn’t hang out with me—I hung out with him.”

Strait described Cooper as a one-of-a-kind cowboy, saying:

“Roy was one of the ones they made that saying about, that they broke the mold when they made him. They sure did.”

Despite the grief, Strait made the room smile by sharing cherished memories—like the time Cooper tried to rope Stevie Nicks at a Kentucky Derby party.

“I look around and Roy’s trying to left-foot rope Stevie Nicks. I swear. Years later, I ran into her somewhere and she said, ‘Hey, where’s that crazy cowboy that tried to rope me at the Derby?’”

A Final Goodbye from ‘The King of Country’

Strait concluded his tribute by praising Cooper’s deep love for his family and his faith, a sentiment echoed throughout the service.

“Boy, did he love his family, and he loved the Lord. If the good Lord chooses me to go to Paradise sometime, where I know Roy is, I’m just gonna say, throw a Council on one for me brother, and let’s race.”

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