Jovan Arriaga 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 in history. Born on March 5, 1998, in Corpus Christi, Texas, Jovan grew up surrounded by a legacy deeply rooted in music, family pride, and cultural influence. Although his family gained fame through the success of the Quintanilla name, Jovan has chosen a more private and professional path, building a career as a hydraulic civil engineer. His life reflects a balance between honoring his family’s achievements and shaping his own identity beyond the spotlight. Through his education, career, and grounded lifestyle, Jovan continues to represent the strength and values of his heritage while living life on his own terms. His story shows how the next generation of the Quintanilla family carries forward a legacy with quiet confidence and modern individuality.
Quick Bio: Jovan Arriaga
| 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 | Mexican-American |
| Religion | Christian |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
| Weight | 156 lbs (71 kg) |
| Mother | Suzette Quintanilla |
| Father | Bill Arriaga |
| Aunt | Selena Quintanilla (Late) |
| Occupation | Hydraulic Civil Engineer |
| Education | University of Texas (Honors Graduate) |
| Relationship | Dating Mallory Smith |
| Net Worth | Approx. $1.5 million (2025) |
Early Life and Family Background
Jovan Arriaga’s early life began in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he was born on March 5, 1998, into the famous Quintanilla family. Surrounded by music and cultural pride, his childhood was shaped by the strong influence of his family’s legacy, especially the lasting impact of his late aunt, Selena Quintanilla. His mother, Suzette Quintanilla, played a major role in keeping Selena’s memory alive through her work with the Selena Museum and the family’s business. Growing up as the only child of Suzette and Bill Arriaga, Jovan was raised with love, discipline, and respect for his roots. Despite being part of a well-known musical family, his parents worked hard to give him a normal and private childhood, allowing him to enjoy school, sports, and friendships away from the spotlight. His upbringing taught him to value humility and hard work while appreciating the powerful heritage of the Quintanilla name. upbringing.
Parents and Family Legacy
Jovan Arriaga’s Mother – Suzette Quintanilla
Suzette Quintanilla, the mother of Jovan Arriaga, was born on June 29, 1967, in Lake Jackson, Texas. She is best known as the sister of the late Selena Quintanilla and a key member of the family’s famous band, Selena y Los Dinos, where she played the drums. After Selena’s tragic passing in 1995, Suzette dedicated her life to preserving her sister’s legacy through the Selena Museum and family business ventures. She married Bill Arriaga in 1993, and together they have one son, Jovan. As a mother, Suzette has always been supportive and protective, raising Jovan with strong values of respect, humility, and love for his heritage. Her guidance has played a major role in helping him build a successful life while staying connected to the family’s cultural and musical roots.
Jovan Arriaga’s Father – Bill Arriaga
Bill Arriaga, the father of Jovan Arriaga, is known for his private and reserved nature. Unlike the Quintanilla family’s public fame, Bill prefers to stay out of the spotlight and live a quiet life in Corpus Christi, Texas. He married Suzette Quintanilla in 1993, and their strong, long-lasting marriage has been admired for its stability and love. Bill has always been a devoted husband and father, supporting Suzette in maintaining Selena’s legacy while ensuring Jovan has a balanced and normal upbringing. Though he keeps a low profile, his steady presence has provided the family with strength and unity, helping Jovan grow up grounded and proud of his family’s heritage.
Jovan Arriaga’s Parents Relationship
Jovan Arriaga’s parents, Suzette Quintanilla and Bill Arriaga, have shared a strong and lasting marriage since their wedding in 1993. Their relationship began in Corpus Christi, Texas, where they built a life rooted in love, respect, and family values. Suzette, known for her role in preserving the Quintanilla family’s musical legacy, found in Bill a supportive and understanding partner who prefers a private life away from the spotlight. Together, they have raised their only son, Jovan, with care and balance, combining Suzette’s public work with Bill’s quiet strength at home. Their marriage, lasting more than three decades, is admired for its stability and genuine affection, proving that enduring love can thrive even in the shadow of fame.
Siblings Of Jovan Arriaga
Jovan Arriaga’s Aunt – Selena Quintanilla
Selena Quintanilla, Jovan Arriaga’s maternal aunt, was one of the most influential Latin music artists in history. Born on April 16, 1971, in Lake Jackson, Texas, Selena became known as the “Queen of Tejano Music” and achieved worldwide fame through her hit songs and vibrant personality. She was the younger sister of Jovan’s mother, Suzette Quintanilla, and shared a very close bond with her family. Although Selena passed away tragically in 1995, long before Jovan was born, her legacy continues to inspire him and the entire Quintanilla family. Her success, kindness, and love for her culture remain powerful influences in Jovan’s life, reminding him of the importance of dedication, family, and pride in one’s roots.
Jovan Arriaga’s Uncle – A.B. Quintanilla
A.B. Quintanilla, Jovan Arriaga’s maternal uncle, is a talented musician, songwriter, and producer who played a key role in shaping Selena’s career. Born on December 13, 1963, in Toppenish, Washington, A.B. was the bassist and songwriter for Selena y Los Dinos, creating many of Selena’s most iconic hits. He continues to work in music, carrying on the family’s creative legacy through his own projects and performances. A.B. has always shared a close relationship with his sister Suzette and shows great affection for his nephew Jovan. His achievements in music serve as another source of pride and inspiration for Jovan, who honors his family’s artistic roots even while choosing a different professional path.
Physical Appearance and Personality
Jovan Arriaga is often admired for his striking resemblance to his late aunt, Selena Quintanilla, especially in his warm smile, expressive eyes, and rich complexion. Standing about 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing around 156 pounds, he has an athletic build and a calm, confident appearance. Many fans have noted that his dark hair and facial expressions strongly reflect the Quintanilla family traits. Beyond his looks, Jovan is known for his calm, kind, and grounded personality. He values privacy and rarely seeks public attention, preferring a quiet and balanced life. His humility and polite nature reflect his upbringing in a close, respectful family. Proud of his Mexican-American heritage, Jovan carries himself with dignity, embracing both his cultural roots and modern identity with ease. His overall demeanor shows a mix of confidence, compassion, and simplicity—qualities that make him admired by those who know him.
Education and Academic Achievements
Jovan Arriaga’s education played a vital role in shaping his independence and professional goals. He attended a local high school in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he was an active student and member of the baseball team, showing early signs of teamwork and leadership. After completing high school, he pursued higher education at the University of Texas, one of the state’s most respected institutions. There, he focused on engineering and graduated with honors, demonstrating his intelligence and dedication. His studies in civil and hydraulic engineering allowed him to develop strong problem-solving and analytical skills, setting the foundation for his career. By choosing engineering instead of following the family’s musical legacy, Jovan proved his determination to build a life on his own terms. His academic achievements highlight his discipline, hard work, and commitment to excellence, making him a proud example of how education can lead to success beyond fame.
Career and Professional Life
Jovan Arriaga has built an impressive career as a hydraulic civil engineer, a profession focused on designing and managing systems that deal with water resources, such as dams, pipelines, and drainage networks. His work requires technical skill, precision, and problem-solving ability, which he applies with dedication and care. Jovan’s choice of engineering shows his desire to make a positive contribution to society through innovation and environmental responsibility. His professional journey has also drawn media attention, with features in outlets like El Salvador Magazine recognizing his accomplishments. Unlike many members of the Quintanilla family who entered the music industry, Jovan chose a path that reflects independence, intelligence, and steady progress. His work ethic, attention to detail, and leadership make him respected in his field. Through his career, Jovan demonstrates that success doesn’t always come from fame—it can also come from quiet, consistent effort and meaningful achievements.
Personal Life and Relationships
In his personal life, Jovan Arriaga shares a loving and stable relationship with Mallory Smith, a second-grade teacher from Corpus Christi, Texas. The couple met during their college years and have been together for several years, often seen attending events or sharing glimpses of their life on social media. Mallory, a graduate of Texas A&M University, is known for her dedication to education and kind-hearted nature. Their relationship is built on mutual respect, support, and privacy, reflecting Jovan’s calm and steady character. Despite minor online rumors, both have chosen not to engage publicly, keeping their personal life private. Together, they represent a modern couple that values love, simplicity, and shared growth. Jovan’s relationship with Mallory also highlights his focus on genuine connections rather than the spotlight, showing how he balances fame’s legacy with a grounded, normal life.
Net Worth and Financial Overview
As of 2025, Jovan Arriaga’s estimated net worth is around $1.5 million, earned primarily through his work as a hydraulic civil engineer. His financial success reflects years of education, discipline, and professional excellence rather than reliance on his family’s fame. While his mother, Suzette Quintanilla, has an estimated net worth of about $3.5 million from her music and business career, Jovan’s earnings showcase his independence. His aunt Selena’s estate, valued at over $5 million, continues to inspire the family’s financial legacy. Jovan’s practical and responsible financial habits show a preference for stability and long-term success over luxury or public exposure. His focus on career growth and smart financial management demonstrates a modern approach to wealth—one that values hard work and modesty over fame and extravagance.
Social Media and Public Presence
Jovan Arriaga maintains a very private social media presence, with his Instagram account set to private and followed by only a small circle of friends and family. As of 2025, he has around 8,900 followers and rarely posts content, choosing to share personal moments discreetly. Most updates about his life appear through his girlfriend Mallory Smith’s posts, where she occasionally shares photos of them together. This approach reflects Jovan’s preference for privacy and his understanding of the pressures that come with being part of the Quintanilla family. He avoids public attention, focusing instead on his work and personal happiness. By staying away from fame-driven behavior, Jovan continues the family’s value of dignity and respect while maintaining peace in his private life. His minimal social media activity proves that living authentically doesn’t require constant public validation.
Legacy and Future Outlook
Jovan Arriaga stands as a proud representative of the Quintanilla family’s next generation, honoring the memory of his late aunt Selena while creating his own unique story. He carries forward the values of dedication, humility, and cultural pride that define the family’s legacy. Unlike those who pursue fame, Jovan focuses on contribution, education, and professional excellence, proving that legacy can evolve in many forms. His connection to Selena’s memory remains deep—he honors her through his actions, values, and respect for their shared heritage. Looking to the future, Jovan aims to continue growing as an engineer and as a person, maintaining balance between his private life and his family’s historical name. His journey shows how individuality and tradition can coexist, inspiring others to pursue success with integrity.
Interesting Facts About Jovan Arriaga
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Nephew of Latin music legend Selena Quintanilla.
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Graduated with honors from the University of Texas.
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Works professionally as a hydraulic civil engineer.
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Known for his smile and features similar to Selena’s.
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Prefers privacy and stays away from media attention.
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Enjoys sports and outdoor activities, especially baseball.
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Rarely gives interviews or public appearances.
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In a long-term relationship with Mallory Smith.
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Comes from a family that values culture, respect, and humility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jovan Arriaga’s life beautifully blends family heritage with personal achievement. As the son of Suzette Quintanilla and nephew of Selena, he carries a powerful legacy but chooses to live with humility and purpose. Through his education, career, and grounded personality, Jovan has shown that success can come quietly, through hard work and integrity. His love for his family, respect for privacy, and professional dedication make him a strong example of modern success rooted in tradition. Jovan’s story is a reminder that true legacy is not only about fame—it’s about living with meaning, balance, and authenticity, just as he continues to do.
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Jovan Arriaga?
Jovan Arriaga is the son of Suzette Quintanilla and the nephew of the late Selena Quintanilla, the legendary Latin music icon. Born on March 5, 1998, in Corpus Christi, Texas, he represents the next generation of the Quintanilla family. Despite his famous roots, he has built his own successful career outside the music industry.
2. What does Jovan Arriaga do for a living?
Jovan Arriaga works as a hydraulic civil engineer, focusing on designing and managing water systems and infrastructure. His career choice reflects his passion for science and problem-solving. By pursuing engineering, he shows independence from his family’s musical fame.
3. Where did Jovan Arriaga study?
He attended the University of Texas, where he graduated with honors. During his studies, Jovan focused on engineering and developed strong technical and analytical skills. His academic success prepared him for a thriving professional career.
4. Who are Jovan Arriaga’s parents?
His parents are Suzette Quintanilla, former drummer of Selena y Los Dinos, and Bill Arriaga, a private businessman. They have been married since 1993 and are known for their close-knit family values. Together, they raised Jovan in a supportive and humble environment.
5. What is Jovan Arriaga’s connection to Selena Quintanilla?
Selena Quintanilla was Jovan’s maternal aunt. Although she passed away before he was born, her legacy has always been an important part of his family’s story. Jovan continues to honor her memory through respect and pride in his heritage.
6. Who is Jovan Arriaga’s girlfriend?
Jovan is in a relationship with Mallory Smith, a second-grade teacher from Corpus Christi, Texas. The couple met during their college years and has maintained a strong and private relationship. Their bond reflects shared values of love, respect, and privacy.
7. What is Jovan Arriaga’s estimated net worth?
As of 2025, Jovan’s net worth is estimated at around $1.5 million. Most of his income comes from his career as a hydraulic civil engineer. His financial stability shows his commitment to building an independent and secure life.
8. Is Jovan Arriaga active on social media?
Jovan maintains a private Instagram account with limited followers, avoiding public attention. He rarely posts and prefers to live quietly, away from fame. His privacy-first approach mirrors the Quintanilla family’s values of dignity and respect.
