Jovan Arriaga is a name that connects to one of music’s most beloved families, yet he remains a mystery to many. When you hear the name Quintanilla, one person usually comes to mind: Selena, the Queen of Tejano music. But there’s another member of this famous family who lives a quieter life away from the spotlight. Jovan Arriaga is the only son of Suzette Quintanilla and the nephew of the legendary singer Selena. While his family name carries weight in the music world, Jovan has chosen his own path as a hydraulic engineer.
Detailed Bio Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jovan Arriaga |
| Date of Birth | March 5, 1998 |
| Age | 27 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Parents | Suzette Quintanilla (mother), Bill Arriaga (father) |
| Famous Aunt | Selena Quintanilla |
| Uncle | A.B. Quintanilla III |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Education | Texas A&M University |
| Profession | Hydraulic Civil Engineer |
| Relationship Status | In a relationship with Mallory Smith |
| Children | Lincoln Arriaga (born October 26, 2022) |
| Heritage | Mexican American with Cherokee roots |
Growing Up in a Famous Family
Jovan was born on March 5, 1998, five years after his parents married in 1993. His mother, Suzette Quintanilla, was the drummer for the popular Tex-Mex band Selena y Los Dinos. His father, Bill Arriaga, prefers to stay out of the public eye, keeping most details of his life private.
Although Jovan never met his famous aunt Selena (she died in 1995, three years before he was born), his mother has mentioned something special about him. Suzette once shared in a social media post that her son has Selena’s smile, noting how much he reminds her of her late sister. This connection to Selena has made people curious about Jovan throughout his life.
Growing up as the only child of Suzette and Bill, Jovan had a fairly normal childhood despite his family’s fame. His parents worked hard to give him a stable upbringing, away from too much public attention. This protective approach helped shape the private person Jovan is today.
A Love for Baseball and Education
During his high school years in Corpus Christi, Texas, Jovan wasn’t just focused on books. He played baseball for four years in high school and later graduated with honors. His love for sports showed that he was well-rounded, balancing academics with athletic activities.
After finishing high school, Jovan attended Texas A&M University, where he studied hydraulic engineering. This field involves designing and maintaining water systems, which shows his interest in solving real-world problems. His choice of career proves that while he respects his family’s musical background, he wanted to create his own identity in a completely different field.
Building His Own Career
Unlike many celebrity children who follow their parents’ footsteps, Jovan chose engineering as his career path. As a hydraulic civil engineer, he works on important projects related to water resources and systems. This decision highlights his independence and desire to be known for his own achievements rather than just his family name.
In November 2017, he was featured in El Salvador magazine, which brought some attention to his life and work. However, Jovan continues to maintain a low profile, letting his work speak for itself rather than seeking fame.
Love Life and Family
Jovan’s personal life became more public when he started dating Mallory Smith, a second-grade teacher from Corpus Christi. The couple reportedly met at Texas A&M University and began their relationship in late 2019. While Jovan usually keeps his private life under wraps, Mallory has shared some glimpses of their relationship on social media over the years.
The biggest news came in October 2022 when Jovan and Mallory welcomed their son, Lincoln Arriaga, who was born on October 26, 2022. This made Suzette Quintanilla a grandmother and added a new generation to the Quintanilla family legacy. A.B. Quintanilla III, Jovan’s uncle, now has a grandnephew through Jovan.
The Selena Connection
The Quintanilla family’s story cannot be told without mentioning Selena. She was one of the most successful Latin artists in American music history. Tragically, she was killed in 1995 by Yolanda Saldivar, who managed her boutiques and fan club. Selena was only 23 years old at the time of her death.
After losing her sister, Suzette stopped performing but dedicated herself to keeping Selena’s memory alive. She helps manage the Selena Museum in Corpus Christi and works with her father at Q Productions, the family’s entertainment company. Suzette was also an executive producer for the Netflix series “Selena: The Series,” which told the story of the family’s rise to fame.
While Jovan never knew his aunt personally, he carries her legacy in a different way. His mother has said that seeing him smile brings back memories of Selena. This emotional connection shows how Selena’s spirit continues to live on through the family.
The Arriaga-Quintanilla Legacy Today
The Quintanilla name remains important in Latin music history. A.B. Quintanilla III, Jovan’s uncle, is a successful record producer and songwriter, known as the “King of Kumbia.” Suzette continues managing her sister’s legacy while supporting her family. And now, with Jovan raising his own son, the family enters a new chapter.
What makes Jovan special is his choice to be different. While he could have easily used his family connections to pursue entertainment, he chose engineering. This decision shows strength and independence. It proves that you can honor your family’s past while building your own future.
Conclusion
Jovan Arriaga may have been born into a famous family, but he has worked hard to become his own person. From his success as a hydraulic engineer to becoming a father, he has shown that there’s more to him than just being Suzette Quintanilla’s son or Selena’s nephew.
His story reminds us that family legacy is important, but personal choices matter more. While his mother keeps Selena’s music alive for millions of fans, Jovan contributes to society in his own way through engineering. He represents a new generation of the Quintanilla family – one that respects the past but isn’t defined by it.
As he raises his son Lincoln, Jovan is now creating his own family traditions. Perhaps one day, Lincoln will learn about his great-aunt Selena and the amazing family history he comes from. But like his father, he’ll hopefully have the freedom to choose his own path, whatever that may be.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who are Jovan Arriaga’s parents?
Jovan’s mother is Suzette Quintanilla, the drummer of Selena y Los Dinos, and his father is Bill Arriaga, who keeps a low profile away from the media.
2. Did Jovan Arriaga ever meet his aunt Selena?
No, Jovan was born in 1998, three years after Selena died in 1995. However, his mother says he has Selena’s smile, which reminds her of her late sister.
3. What does Jovan Arriaga do for work?
Jovan works as a hydraulic civil engineer. He studied at Texas A&M University and chose a career in engineering rather than following his family into the music business.
4. Is Jovan Arriaga married?
Jovan is not married but is in a long-term relationship with Mallory Smith, a teacher. They have been together since 2019 and have a son named Lincoln, born in October 2022.
5. Does Jovan Arriaga have social media?
Yes, Jovan has an Instagram account, but he keeps it private. He prefers to live away from public attention despite his family’s fame.
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