Who Is Jovan Arriaga? Full Story of Suzette Arriaga’s Son

Jovan Arriaga is a young man born into one of the most famous musical families in America and Mexico, carrying a legacy that spans generations. He is best known as the only son of Suzette Quintanilla and the nephew of the late Selena Quintanilla, one of the most beloved Latin music icons. Despite the family’s strong connection to music, Jovan has built his own path, blending his heritage with his personal ambitions. Born on March 5, 1998, in Corpus Christi, Texas, he grew up surrounded by stories of talent, tragedy, and triumph. His life is a unique mix of family pride and individual success, which makes him an interesting figure to learn about today.
Quick Bio
Personal Details | Information |
---|---|
Full Name | Jovan Arriaga |
Date of Birth | March 5, 1998 |
Age (as of 2025) | 27 years old |
Place of Birth | Corpus Christi, Texas, USA |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | White (Mexican-American heritage) |
Religion | Christian |
Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
Height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
Weight | Approximately 156 lbs (71 kg) |
Mother | Suzette Quintanilla Arriaga |
Grandfather | Abraham Quintanilla Jr. |
Aunt | Selena Quintanilla (late) |
Father | Bill Arriaga |
Relationship Status | Dating Mallory Smith |
Occupation | Hydraulic Civil Engineer |
Education | University of Texas (Graduated with honors) |
Net Worth (2025) | Approx. $1.5 million |
Early Life and Background
Jovan grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas, in a family where music and strong values were part of daily life. From the beginning, he was surrounded by stories about his aunt Selena and her incredible success in the music world. His mother, Suzette, played a big role in keeping Selena’s memory alive after her tragic death and worked hard to protect the family’s legacy. As the only child of Suzette and Bill Arriaga, Jovan was raised with love, discipline, and a deep understanding of what it means to come from a famous family. Even though his childhood was different from most kids because of this connection, he was encouraged to enjoy normal activities while learning about his heritage.
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Jovan’s Mother: Suzette Quintanilla
Suzette Quintanilla is Jovan’s mother and comes from a family well-known for their contributions to Mexican and Latin music. Born on June 29, 1967, in Texas, Suzette is an accomplished musician, especially recognized for her skills as a drummer. She was part of Selena’s band before transitioning into managing the family’s legacy after Selena’s tragic death. Suzette married Bill Arriaga on September 12, 1993, and the couple has been together for more than two decades. Suzette has played a key role in preserving Selena’s memory and supporting Jovan throughout his life.
Jovan’s Father: Bill Arriaga
Bill Arriaga is Jovan’s father and has been married to Suzette Quintanilla since 1993. Though information about him is more private, it is known that he has been a strong support for the family. Together with Suzette, Bill has raised Jovan with a focus on family values and respect for their musical heritage.
Physical Appearance and Personality
Jovan shares many physical traits with his mother, Suzette, and his late aunt Selena. He has dark black hair and deep brown eyes, which many fans say look very much like Selena’s. Standing about 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing around 156 pounds, Jovan carries a striking presence that honors his Mexican-American roots. His smile, in particular, has been noted as a clear family resemblance to Selena. Beyond his appearance, Jovan is known to be a private and calm person who prefers to keep his life away from the public eye. This personality helps him manage the pressures of having a famous family and live a balanced, grounded life.
Education and Early Interests
Jovan attended a local high school in Corpus Christi, where he was active in sports, especially baseball. Being part of the school’s baseball team gave him lessons in teamwork and dedication. After graduating from high school, he chose to attend the University of Texas starting in 2017. There, he focused on his studies and graduated with honors, showing his commitment to building a career outside of the music world. His interest in sports and academics gave him a well-rounded youth, and he developed skills that would help him succeed in his professional life.
Career and Professional Life
Instead of following the family’s musical path, Jovan chose a different career as a hydraulic civil engineer. This profession involves designing and managing water systems and infrastructure, requiring strong technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Jovan has been successful in his field and has even been featured in media outlets like El Salvador magazine. His choice to pursue engineering shows that while he respects his family’s legacy, he also wants to make his own mark. His career demonstrates a blend of dedication, intelligence, and a desire to create a future that is uniquely his own.
Personal Life and Relationships
Jovan has been in a relationship with Mallory Smith, a teacher from Corpus Christi, for several years. Mallory is a second-grade teacher and graduated from Texas A&M University in 2019. The couple met during their college years, and since then, they have shared many moments together both publicly and privately. Despite some rumors on social media about Jovan’s fidelity, neither he nor Mallory has publicly addressed those claims, and their relationship remains strong. Their love story reflects a modern couple balancing public interest with private happiness, showing that Jovan values his personal life just as much as his family heritage.
Net Worth and Financial Overview
Jovan’s estimated net worth as of 2025 is about $1.5 million. This wealth primarily comes from his career as a hydraulic civil engineer, combined with the lasting influence of the family’s music business and ventures. For context, his mother, Suzette, is estimated to have a net worth of $3.5 million, while Selena’s estate was valued at over $5 million before her passing. Jovan’s financial success is a sign that he has managed to use his opportunities wisely and create a stable and prosperous life for himself. His approach to finances shows a good balance of independence and respect for his family’s legacy.
Social Media and Public Image
Unlike many public figures, Jovan keeps a low profile on social media. His Instagram account is private, with roughly 8,900 followers as of 2025, and he shares content very selectively. Most of the public insights into his life come from his girlfriend Mallory’s Instagram, where she posts photos and stories about their relationship. This careful approach to social media helps Jovan maintain his privacy and avoid the intense scrutiny often faced by members of famous families. It also allows him to live a more normal life despite the curiosity around his family name.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Jovan Arriaga carries the weight of a powerful family legacy with grace. While his aunt Selena’s life was tragically cut short, her music and spirit continue to inspire many, including Jovan. He respects his family’s history but has made clear choices to follow his own path through education and career. His life shows how someone can honor a legacy by building something new rather than only following in the footsteps of the past. Looking ahead, Jovan has the opportunity to continue preserving his family’s memory while making his own impact on the world, proving that legacy and individuality can go hand in hand.
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Conclusion
In summary, Jovan Arriaga is more than just a member of a famous family. He is a young man who respects his heritage but has worked hard to create his own identity. From a childhood surrounded by music and family stories to a career in engineering and a loving relationship, Jovan’s life is a blend of tradition and personal ambition. He keeps his private life carefully guarded while honoring the memory of his aunt Selena and the values passed down by his family. As Jovan moves forward, many are eager to see how he continues to balance the past with his own future, making him a fascinating figure both inside and outside the world of music.
FAQs About Jovan Arriaga
1. How old is Jovan Arriaga?
Jovan Arriaga was born on March 5, 1998, so he is 27 years old as of 2025.
2. Who are Jovan Arriaga’s parents?
His mother is Suzette Quintanilla, a musician and businesswoman, and his father is Bill Arriaga.
3. What is Jovan Arriaga’s relation to Selena Quintanilla?
Jovan is Selena Quintanilla’s nephew. Selena was his mother’s sister.
4. What does Jovan Arriaga do for a living?
He works as a hydraulic civil engineer and has gained recognition in his field.
5. Who is Jovan Arriaga’s girlfriend?
Jovan has been in a relationship with Mallory Smith, a second-grade teacher from Corpus Christi, since around 2019.
6. Does Jovan Arriaga look like Selena Quintanilla?
Yes, many say that Jovan’s smile and features closely resemble those of his late aunt Selena.
7. What is Jovan Arriaga’s estimated net worth?
As of 2025, Jovan’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 million, mainly from his engineering career.