George Strait broke down in tears as he paid tribute to his lifelong friend, rodeo legend Roy Cooper, during an emotional memorial service on May 26, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas. 
Roy Cooper — known to fans as “The Super Looper” — tragically passed away on April 29 in a devastating house fire at his home in Decatur, Texas. He was 69 years old. His son, Tuf Cooper, confirmed the heartbreaking news, saying: “We’re all in shock and at a loss for words from this tragedy.” Roy was a rodeo icon — a seven-time world champion and one of only ten cowboys to ever win the Triple Crown of Rodeo. He was inducted into the very first class of the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame back in 1979. But for George Strait, this wasn’t just a public loss — it was personal. The two shared decades of friendship, rooted in their love of rodeo, music, and faith.
“We lost our good friend and my hero Roy Cooper yesterday,” George posted. “He’s with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ now… I’ll come find you one day, amigo.” At the memorial, George delivered a powerful speech filled with laughter, tears, and heartfelt memories. “He was my hero,” he said through emotion. “We shared a lot of good and bad times. He didn’t hang out with me — I hung out with him.” He even shared a hilarious story about Roy trying to rope Stevie Nicks at a Kentucky Derby party, which brought smiles through the sorrow. Years later, Stevie herself asked: “Where’s that crazy cowboy who tried to rope me at the Derby?” George ended his tribute with a line that silenced the room: “If the good Lord chooses me to go to Paradise someday, where I know Roy is, I’m just gonna say: throw a council on one for me, brother… and let’s race.” 
A true cowboy. A real friend. A legend who will never be forgotten. Rest easy, Roy Cooper.
