Jovan Arriaga is the son of Suzette Quintanilla and the nephew of the late Selena Quintanilla, the Queen of Tejano music, and although he belongs to one of the most famous musical families in America, he has built a quiet and independent life of his own. Born on March 5, 1998, in Corpus Christi, Texas, he grew up hearing stories of his aunt’s legacy while being raised with strong values of humility, education, and hard work. Fans are often drawn to him because of his striking resemblance to Selena, but instead of stepping into the music world, he pursued his studies and became a hydraulic civil engineer, choosing to focus on a grounded career path away from fame.
Profile Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jovan Arriaga |
| Date of Birth | March 5, 1998 |
| Age (2024) | 26 years old |
| Birthplace | Corpus Christi, Texas, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mexican-American |
| Parents | Suzette Quintanilla (Mother), Bill Arriaga (Father) |
| Siblings | None (Only Child) |
| Education | Graduated from the University of Texas, specializing in Hydraulic Engineering |
| Profession | Hydraulic Civil Engineer |
| Relationship | Dating Mallory Smith (Teacher) |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Children | None |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
| Weight | 156 lbs (71 kg) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Net Worth | Not officially known (Estimated from an engineering career) |
| Social Media | Private Instagram account |
| Famous Relatives | Selena Quintanilla (Aunt), Abraham Quintanilla Jr. (Grandfather) |
Early Life and Family Background
Jovan Arriaga was born on March 5, 1998, in Corpus Christi, Texas, and grew up as the only child of Suzette Quintanilla and Bill Arriaga in a home where music, family, and tradition were always present. His mother, Suzette, had been the drummer for Selena y Los Dinos before dedicating her life to preserving the memory of her sister Selena, while his father, Bill, stayed away from public attention and focused on giving his family a stable and private life.
Even though Selena passed away before Jovan was born, her influence was part of his childhood through the stories and lessons shared by his family, and he was raised with values of humility, respect, and hard work that continue to guide him today.
Age and Looks
As of 2024, Jovan Arriaga is 26 years old, standing about 5 feet 8 inches tall with a weight of around 156 pounds. He has an athletic build, a result of his years playing baseball during high school, and carries the striking features of his family, including deep brown eyes and black hair. Many fans have pointed out his resemblance to his late aunt Selena, and this similarity has become a reason for fans to feel a strong connection with him, as if part of Selena continues to live through her nephew’s appearance and smile.
Mother: Suzette Quintanilla
Jovan’s mother, Suzette Quintanilla, was born on June 29, 1967, in Texas and is widely known as the drummer for Selena y Los Dinos, the family band that launched her younger sister Selena to stardom. After Selena’s tragic death in 1995, Suzette stepped away from performing and devoted her life to keeping her sister’s memory alive through her work with Q Productions and the Selena Museum in Corpus Christi.
She has become one of the most important figures in managing Selena’s legacy, ensuring that her music and story continue to inspire fans around the world. For Jovan, Suzette has not only been a loving mother but also a living example of strength, resilience, and dedication to family.
Father: Bill Arriaga
Unlike the rest of the Quintanilla family, Jovan’s father, Bill Arriaga, has always preferred a quiet and private life, avoiding the spotlight that comes with being connected to one of the most famous families in Latin music. He married Suzette on September 12, 1993, and together they built a strong and supportive household where their only son could grow up with stability and love.
Although little is publicly known about Bill’s professional or personal life, his presence has been key in providing Jovan with the balance of normalcy and protection from the pressures of fame. His quiet personality contrasts with the high visibility of the Quintanillas, but it is exactly that privacy that has allowed the family to maintain a strong foundation.
Jovan Arriaga Siblings
Jovan Arriaga does not have any siblings and has grown up as the only child of Suzette and Bill. Being an only child meant that he carried the responsibility of representing the next generation of the Quintanilla family on his own, but it also allowed him to receive undivided attention and guidance from his parents. While he never had brothers or sisters to share his childhood with, his extended family, including his grandfather Abraham Quintanilla Jr. and other relatives, gave him a strong sense of belonging within a large and supportive family network.
Education and School Years
Jovan Arriaga grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he attended local schools and developed a strong interest in baseball, playing the sport throughout his high school years and gaining discipline and teamwork skills. Guided by his parents’ focus on education, he later went on to study at the University of Texas, choosing civil engineering with a focus on hydraulics, a path that showed his decision to build a career away from the music spotlight while proving his dedication to learning and hard work.
Career and Professional Life
Jovan Arriaga chose a professional path very different from the music world his family is known for, building a career as a hydraulic civil engineer after completing his studies at the University of Texas. In this field, he works on projects related to water systems, infrastructure, and sustainable solutions that benefit communities, showing his dedication to using knowledge and skill to make a positive impact. His choice to follow engineering instead of entertainment highlights his independence and determination to succeed through hard work, proving that he values creating his own identity while still honoring the legacy of the Quintanilla family.
Relationship with Selena’s Legacy
Even though Jovan Arriaga was born three years after Selena Quintanilla’s passing, her influence has always been a meaningful part of his life, and fans often see him as a living link to her memory. He occasionally appears at family events, tributes, and anniversaries honoring Selena, standing alongside his mother, Suzette, and other relatives, and his strong resemblance to his aunt makes these moments especially emotional for admirers. While he does not seek the spotlight, Jovan supports the efforts of his family, such as the work at the Selena Museum in Corpus Christi, and handles the attention with respect and humility, showing that he values her legacy without using it for personal gain.
Personal Life and Relationships
In his personal life, Jovan Arriaga keeps a low profile and prefers privacy, but it is known that he has been in a steady relationship with Mallory Smith, a second-grade teacher from Corpus Christi, since 2019. The couple met during their university years and have built a strong bond based on mutual respect, love, and shared values, often supporting each other’s goals while keeping their relationship away from unnecessary public attention. Jovan does not have siblings or children, and as the only child of Suzette and Bill, his closest circle remains his parents and Mallory, giving him a grounded and stable personal life that reflects his choice to focus on genuine connections rather than fame.
Physical Appearance and Public Image
Jovan Arriaga is often admired for his athletic build and striking features, standing around 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing about 156 pounds, with black hair and deep brown eyes that highlight his strong Quintanilla family resemblance. Fans frequently point out how closely he resembles his late aunt Selena, especially in his smile and expressions, which have made him a figure of interest whenever he appears at public family events or on social media.
Despite this attention, Jovan maintains a humble and respectful image, keeping his Instagram account private and choosing to share only small glimpses of his life, which has earned him admiration for balancing privacy with the natural curiosity that comes from being part of such a famous family.
Social Media Presence
Jovan Arriaga keeps a very private presence on social media, using Instagram as his main platform but keeping his account set to private so only close friends and family can see his posts. While he does share glimpses of his life, such as time with loved ones or personal milestones, he avoids the spotlight and does not use social media to seek public attention. Fans are always curious about him because of his connection to Selena, but his choice to stay private shows that he values his personal space and prefers a simple, grounded lifestyle.
Challenges and Achievements
Growing up as part of the Quintanilla family comes with unique challenges, as the expectations of fans and the weight of the legacy are always present. For Jovan, the challenge has been finding his place while respecting the history he is connected to. He has successfully navigated this by focusing on his education, building a career in engineering, and maintaining a personal life that remains private yet fulfilling.
These choices are significant achievements because they show he is capable of carrying his family’s name while also creating his own independent identity. His career achievements as a civil engineer highlight his intelligence and dedication, and his maturity in handling family fame proves he has inherited not just the looks but also the values that made Selena beloved.
Future Prospects
Looking toward the future, Jovan Arriaga has endless possibilities. Professionally, he is positioned to continue making a difference in civil engineering, particularly in areas like water management and sustainable infrastructure. His work will likely impact many communities, even if it is not celebrated in the public eye like music. Personally, he may continue to support his family’s efforts to preserve Selena’s memory while remaining in the background, allowing his mother to lead those projects.
His relationship with Mallory Smith also shows potential for a strong and lasting partnership, as both share values of education, privacy, and family. No matter what lies ahead, Jovan’s ability to live a meaningful and balanced life proves that the future is bright for him and for the continuation of the Quintanilla family legacy.
Conclusion
Jovan Arriaga may be best known as the nephew of Selena Quintanilla and the son of Suzette Quintanilla, but he has shown that being part of a famous family does not mean living entirely in the spotlight. By focusing on his education, building a career as a hydraulic civil engineer, and living a private yet fulfilling life with his partner, Mallory Smith, he has created his own identity while still honoring his family’s history.
His resemblance to Selena and his quiet support at tributes connect him to her memory, but his humility, hard work, and grounded character define who he is today. Jovan’s story proves that legacy is not only carried through fame and music but also through values, respect, and the way one chooses to live life with purpose.
FAQs About Jovan Arriaga
1. Who is Jovan Arriaga?
Jovan Arriaga is the son of Suzette Quintanilla and the nephew of the late Selena Quintanilla, the Queen of Tejano music. He is known for his resemblance to Selena and for choosing a private life outside of the music industry.
2. When was Jovan Arriaga born?
He was born on March 5, 1998, in Corpus Christi, Texas, and is 26 years old as of 2024.
3. What does Jovan Arriaga do for a living?
Jovan Arriaga works as a hydraulic civil engineer, focusing on water systems, infrastructure, and sustainable projects rather than following a music career.
4. Who are Jovan Arriaga’s parents?
His parents are Suzette Quintanilla, the former drummer of Selena y Los Dinos, and Bill Arriaga, who lives a private life away from the public spotlight.
5. Is Jovan Arriaga married?
No, Jovan is not married, but he has been in a relationship with Mallory Smith, a teacher from Corpus Christi, since 2019.
6. Does Jovan Arriaga look like Selena Quintanilla?
Yes, many fans believe Jovan closely resembles his late aunt Selena, especially in his smile and facial expressions, which has made him a point of interest among Selena’s admirers.
