George Strait Left 2 Seats Empty At His 2019 Sold-Out Show For Late President Bush & His Wife

Facebook / Sean Smith

The King of Country Music may have broken a record with his sold-out show at the RodeoHouston in 2019, but two seats were left empty.

Breaking Barriers

For any star, getting to perform at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is quite the honor. Decade after decade artists of all genres have made their way to the stage but only few leave record-breaking results – one of those being the legendary George Strait. While Strait has been performing at the rodeo since 1984, his 30th performance made history.

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George Strait set an all-time NRG Stadium attendance record at his March 17, 2019 show. RodeoHouston confirmed that the concert had 80,108 fans in attendance. Even more incredible, the record he beat out was his own from his previous show in 2013 with special guests Martina McBride and Randy Rogers Band.

The Houston Chronicle only had a series of positive reviews following the King of Country Music’s show.

“There was energy and enthusiasm in every verse and lyric. He sounded better than he has in years, a rich and commanding baritone that reverberated off the walls.”

The review also found that Strait is one of five entertainers to have ever performed in front of more than 1 million Rodeo Houston fans. Well deserved, don’t you think?

Remembering A Legacy

But aside from the record-breaking performance and loyal fans, there were two seats left open for a special reason. Sitting front row were two engraved chairs for the late George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush. With flowers left in Barbara’s chair, it was a beautiful reminder of the mark they left on the world. Especially at the Houston Rodeo, as the pair were lifelong supporters of the venue.

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The Rodeo Houston President, Joel Cowley, explained,

“They had a very special relationship with some of the entertainers, Reba McEntire and Brad Paisley in particular. And when Reba or Brad would play they’d usually come in advance of the show and sit down and visit with them. And then they would enjoy seats right beside the bucking chute.”

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Although we lost both Barbara and George H.W. in 2018, their loving presence continues to shine today. Such a beautiful tribute to the Bush family.