George Strait and his wife Norma were young when they ran off to elope. However, 50 years later, they’re still married, proving love can conquer in a world where divorce is so common. Their incredible story shows that the couple is still just as in love today as they were the day they married.

Norma and George met when they were teenagers and went on one date. Still, they didn’t start officially dating until George was struck with Norma’s beautiful soul months later. George said, “So I was 19 years old, and I knew this girl, Norma. She was 17, really hot. So we fell in love.”

The couple eloped to Mexico in December of 1971. When they returned to Texas, they had a small church ceremony with friends and family. Ten months later, they had their first daughter, Jenifer. Nine years later, they had a son, George Jr. Through the years, their love for each other grew, and George knew he was blessed to have Norma as his best friend and beloved wife.

However, it hasn’t always been roses and sunshine for the couple. Unfortunately, they lost their daughter in 1986 in a car accident. Still, the couple survived the loss of Jenifer, leaning on each other and God. The Lord became their source of solace and comfort. George described how much Norma’s support and comfort meant to him.

George said, “We were blessed to have been able to spend 13 years with our beautiful daughter Jenifer. We will all miss Jenifer very much, and we will never forget her, her smile and her laugh. She meant the world to us, and we’ll miss her dearly.” George and Norma miss Jenifer daily but look forward to seeing her again in heaven. George said, “You know, the things that have happened in my life and losing my daughter. I believe someday we will be together again. I think that’s what we all strive for; to get to heaven someday.”

Marriage is a beautiful illustration of how God loves us. It’s a union between two people with God at the center. God’s love fills the broken places and makes us whole. Norma and George are the perfect image of a blessed marriage. When the Straits celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, George publicly serenaded Norma. He also said, “We love each other, and we still like each other. A lot!” God bless the Straits and continue to bless their union!