Jovan Arriaga is best known as the only son of Suzette Quintanilla, the renowned drummer of the Tejano band Selena y Los Dinos, and the older sister of the late music icon Selena Quintanilla. Born on March 5, 1998, in the United States, Jovan has largely kept his personal life out of the public eye. His family background and resemblance to his late aunt have piqued public interest.
Who is Suzette Quintanilla?
Before we get into the details of Jovan Arriaga, let’s first take a moment to understand who Suzette Quintanilla is. Born on June 29, 1967, Suzette is best known as the drummer for the legendary band Selena y Los Dinos.
She was the older sister of Selena, the Queen of Tejano music, who tragically passed away in 1995. Suzette’s role in the band was not just musical but also emotional, as she helped support her sister’s dreams and the family business.
After Selena’s untimely death, Suzette worked diligently to ensure that Selena’s legacy lived on. She has continued to support the Selena Foundation, and she has worked on projects such as the movie Selena, where she was portrayed by actress Jacqueline Obradors.
Suzette Quintanilla’s personal life has always intrigued fans, especially as she continued her life after Selena’s passing. One of the most interesting aspects of her life is her son, Jovan Arriaga.
Early Life and Family Background
Jovan Arriaga was born to Suzette Quintanilla and Bill Arriaga. His mother, Suzette, gained fame as the drummer for Selena y Los Dinos, a band formed with her siblings, including Selena. Following Selena’s tragic death in 1995, Suzette stepped away from her music career and now manages Q Productions, the family’s entertainment company, and oversees the Selena Museum in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Jovan’s father, Bill Arriaga, maintains a private profile, with limited public information available about his personal life and career. The couple married in 1993 and have been together for over three decades, raising Jovan as their only child.
Jovan has been in a relationship with Mallory Smith since late 2019. Mallory is a second-grade teacher at the School of Science and Technology in Corpus Christi, Texas, and graduated from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi in 2019.
Jovan Arriaga’s Relationship
Growing up in a family that was deeply rooted in music and the legacy of his aunt Selena, Jovan Arriaga was undoubtedly exposed to the impact that Selena had on the music industry, especially Tejano music.
While Jovan has chosen not to pursue a career in music, he has shown respect and admiration for his late aunt. He has expressed how important it is for him to preserve the legacy of Selena, not just as a musician but also as a cultural icon.
Suzette Quintanilla has been the primary force behind keeping Selena’s legacy alive, and her son has always been supportive of her efforts.
Jovan, has not taken on any official role in managing Selena’s brand or her foundation. His contributions have been more about being a supportive member of his family as they continue to honor Selena’s memory.
Education and Career
Jovan Arriaga graduated from the University of Texas in 2017, where he played baseball for four years during his high school years.
Professionally, Jovan has ventured into the field of hydraulic engineering. His LinkedIn profile indicates experience as a customer service and sales representative, showcasing skills in customer engagement and sales targets.
Public Presence
Despite his family’s prominence, Jovan maintains a low public profile. He is active on social media platforms like Instagram, where he shares glimpses of his life with close friends and family. His private account has garnered a following of over 17,000 users.
FAQs
1. Who is Jovan Arriaga?
Jovan Arriaga is the only son of Suzette Quintanilla, the drummer of the Tejano band Selena y Los Dinos, and Bill Arriaga. He is also the nephew of the late music icon Selena Quintanilla.
2. When and where was Jovan Arriaga born?
Jovan Arriaga was born on March 5, 1998, in the United States.
3. What is Jovan Arriaga’s profession?
Professionally, Jovan works as a hydraulic engineer. His LinkedIn profile highlights his experience in customer service and sales, emphasizing skills in customer engagement and exceeding sales targets.
4. How is Jovan Arriaga related to Selena Quintanilla? Selena Quintanilla was Jovan’s aunt. Suzette Quintanilla, Jovan’s mother, was Selena’s older sister. Family members and fans have noted Jovan’s resemblance to Selena, particularly his smile.
5. Does Jovan Arriaga have any siblings?
No, Jovan Arriaga is the only child of Suzette and Bill Arriaga.
6. What is known about Jovan Arriaga’s education?
Jovan graduated from Texas A&M University in 2017, where he played baseball during his high school years.
7. Is Jovan Arriaga active on social media?
Yes, Jovan maintains an active presence on social media, particularly Instagram, where he shares glimpses of his life with close friends and family. His private account has garnered a following of over 17,000 users.
8. Who is Jovan Arriaga dating?
Jovan has been in a relationship with Mallory Smith since late 2019. Mallory is a second-grade teacher at the School of Science and Technology in Corpus Christi, Texas, and graduated from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi in 2019.
9. Does Jovan Arriaga have any children?
Yes, Jovan and Mallory Smith have a son named Lincoln Arriaga, born on October 26, 2022.
10. What is Jovan Arriaga’s net worth?
As of 2023, Jovan Arriaga’s estimated net worth is around $1.5 million, primarily earned through his career in hydraulic engineering.
11. How does Jovan Arriaga contribute to preserving his family’s legacy?
While maintaining a low public profile, Jovan supports his family’s legacy by engaging in activities that honor their contributions to music and culture, such as attending events like the world premiere of MAC Selena in 2016.
12. Are there any public interviews with Jovan Arriaga?
Jovan prefers to keep his personal life private and has not participated in many public interviews. He has been featured in articles discussing his family background and personal achievements.
19. How does Jovan Arriaga balance his family legacy with his personal identity?
Jovan appears to balance his family’s legacy with his personal identity by pursuing a career outside the entertainment industry while still honoring and supporting his family’s contributions to music and culture.
14. What are Jovan Arriaga’s hobbies and interests?
Outside of his professional life, Jovan enjoys spending time with his family and engaging in activities that promote a healthy lifestyle, though he keeps details about his personal interests private.
15. Has Jovan Arriaga pursued a career in music like his family?
No, Jovan has chosen a career in hydraulic engineering, distinct from his family’s musical background.
16. How does Jovan Arriaga maintain his privacy?
Jovan maintains a private life by keeping his social media accounts limited to close friends and family, thereby minimizing public exposure.
18. What is Jovan Arriaga’s relationship with his extended family?
Jovan maintains close relationships with his extended family, often attending events and supporting initiatives that honor their collective legacy.
The Bottom Line
Jovan Arriaga leads a life away from the limelight, focusing on his career and personal relationships. While he carries the legacy of his family’s musical heritage, he has chosen a path distinct from the entertainment industry, embodying the Quintanilla family’s values of privacy and personal choice.
