Who Is Jovan Arriaga? A Full Look at Suzette Quintanilla’s Son and His Link to Selena

Jovan Arriaga is best known as the son of Suzette Quintanilla and the nephew of the beloved Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla, and even though he comes from a world filled with music and fame, he has always chosen to live a quiet and private life focused on his own goals. Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, he grew up surrounded by strong family values, cultural pride, and the lasting impact of Selena’s legacy, which made many people curious about who he is and how he carries the family’s history forward.

Today, Jovan works as a hydraulic engineer and continues to build a peaceful and meaningful life away from attention, making him someone people admire for both his connection to an iconic family and the way he has created his own path with respect, humility, and hard work.

Quick Facts

Who Is Jovan Arriaga?

Jovan Arriaga is the son of Suzette Quintanilla and the nephew of the legendary singer Selena Quintanilla, whose music and memory continue to inspire millions of fans across the world. Even though he comes from a family respected for shaping Tejano music and Latin culture, Jovan has always lived a quiet and private life focused on his education, his personal goals, and the people he loves.

He is known for being respectful, humble, and thoughtful, and he has built a life that stands on his own work rather than the fame of his family. Many people are interested in him because he carries the Quintanilla name, but he continues to live calmly, showing that legacy can be honored in many different ways.

Early Life and Childhood

Jovan Arriaga was born on March 5, 1998, in Corpus Christi, Texas, a city filled with deep cultural meaning for the Quintanilla family and millions of Selena fans around the world. Growing up so closely connected to a musical legacy that changed history, he experienced a home filled with stories, memories, and strong family values, yet his parents worked hard to protect him from the pressure of fame so that he could enjoy a peaceful childhood.

He grew up surrounded by the love of his relatives, including his grandparents Abraham and Marcella, and learned about his aunt Selena through the music, photos, and memories they kept alive. Even though fans had curiosity about him, his parents made sure he enjoyed a normal life with school, sports, and family traditions.

Jovan Arriaga Age and Personal Details

Jovan Arriaga was born on March 5, 1998, which makes him twenty-seven years old in 2025, and he grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas, as the only child of Suzette Quintanilla and Bill Arriaga. He has a Mexican-American background, and people often notice his warm smile, dark hair, and brown eyes, which many say remind them of his aunt Selena. Jovan is known for living a very private and calm life, choosing to focus on his education, career, and personal happiness instead of the spotlight that surrounds his famous family.

Jovan Arriaga’s Mother

Jovan’s mother is Suzette Quintanilla, who was the drummer for the group Selena y Los Dinos and a powerful part of the team that helped her younger sister Selena rise to international fame. After Selena’s passing, 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 always been a strong and supportive mother who raised Jovan with love, guidance, and the values of their family, teaching him humility, respect, and the importance of staying connected to their cultural roots.

Jovan Arriaga’s Father

Jovan’s father is Bill Arriaga, a quiet and private person who has always stayed away from the spotlight and rarely appears in public events or interviews. He married Suzette in 1993, and they have built a strong and steady marriage that has lasted for more than three decades. Bill’s private personality helped create a peaceful home for Jovan, allowing him to grow up without the pressure of fame. Although little is known about Bill because he chooses to remain private, he has played an important role in supporting his family and giving Jovan a grounded upbringing.

Only Child

Jovan does not have any siblings and grew up as the only child of Suzette and Bill, which allowed him to have a very close bond with both of his parents. Being an only child meant he received strong support, attention, and love from his family, helping him develop independence and confidence as he grew older. Even though he did not have brothers or sisters, he was always surrounded by a large extended family, including his uncles, grandparents, and cousins, who made his life full of stories, traditions, and family experiences.

Cultural Identity and Heritage

Jovan’s cultural background is an important part of who he is because he grew up in a Mexican-American household that valued traditions, celebrations, and the pride that the Quintanilla family has always carried in their roots. Through stories from his grandparents and the achievements of his aunt Selena, he learned how deeply culture can connect people and create something meaningful for the world, and even though he lives a private life, he still carries these traditions with respect and love.

Educational Journey

Jovan’s education shaped much of his future because he always did well in school and stayed focused on learning. He attended local schools in Corpus Christi and developed a strong interest in baseball, which taught him teamwork and discipline. After graduating high school, he made the surprising but impressive choice to study engineering instead of pursuing anything related to music.

He went on to earn a degree in hydraulic engineering from a Texas university, showing determination, intelligence, and a desire to build a career based on his own interests. This decision helped him create an identity separate from his family’s fame, proving that he wanted to follow his own path with hard work and purpose.

Career Path

Jovan built a career in hydraulic engineering, a field that focuses on water systems, environmental protection, and infrastructure planning, which means he works on important projects that help communities stay safe and sustainable. Hydraulic engineers often design systems for water flow, drainage, and flood control, and they help create practical solutions for cities and towns.

Jovan has earned respect in his field through dedication, knowledge, and steady progress, showing that success does not always come from attention or fame. His income and professional growth come entirely from his work, proving that he values independence and achievement through effort.

Public Image and Appearance

Even though Jovan avoids public attention, people often talk about his appearance because he shares a striking resemblance to his aunt Selena, especially in his smile. Fans noticed this similarity in photos shared by his mother, and many say that seeing him brings back memories of Selena’s warmth and beauty. He has an athletic build from his baseball years, dark hair, and expressive brown eyes, all of which give him a calm and friendly appearance. His rare public moments, such as the MAC Selena event, show how much people admire him for honoring his family while staying genuine and humble.

Relationship and Personal Life

Jovan has been in a loving and steady relationship with Mallory Smith since 2019, and she is known for being kind, supportive, and dedicated to her work as a second-grade teacher. The couple met during their time at university and built a strong connection based on shared values, patience, and a mutual love for privacy. They do not seek attention online or in the media, which makes their relationship even more grounded. Jovan also keeps his Instagram account private, allowing only close friends and family to see his posts, and this choice shows how much he values a peaceful and simple personal life.

Connection to Selena’s Legacy

Even though Jovan never met Selena, she has always been a meaningful presence in his life because her music and story continue to inspire millions of people. He grew up listening to her songs, learning about her achievements, and seeing how much she meant to the world. His resemblance to her makes fans feel an emotional bond, and whenever he appears with his family at events, people feel reminded of the love they still have for Selena. Jovan honors her memory not through fame or public statements but through the respect and character he shows every day, which reflects the values his family taught him.

Challenges of Fame

Growing up in a famous family was not always easy because public curiosity followed him even though he tried to stay private. Many people wanted to know more about him simply because he was related to Selena, but he learned from his parents how to create healthy boundaries and focus on his own goals. By staying dedicated to school, sports, and later his engineering career, Jovan found a way to balance his unique family history with the life he wanted for himself, turning possible challenges into strengths.

Achievements and Personal Traits

Throughout his life, Jovan has achieved many personal and professional goals through effort and determination. He completed a demanding engineering degree, built a successful career, stayed close to his family, and maintained a humble personality. People who know him describe him as calm, respectful, focused, and kind. These traits stand out even more because he never used his family’s fame for attention or opportunities. Instead, he created his own identity through hard work.

Where He Is Now

As of 2025, Jovan lives in Texas and continues to work as a hydraulic engineer while enjoying a quiet life with Mallory and his family. He keeps a low profile and rarely appears in public unless he is supporting a family event or tribute. His future looks bright because he has a strong foundation built on stability, education, and personal goals. Whether he continues growing in engineering or becomes more involved in family projects one day, he will always be seen as an important part of the Quintanilla story.

Why People Are Fascinated by Him

People remain interested in Jovan because he represents both the past and the future of the Quintanilla family. His connection to Selena, his resemblance to her, and his quiet lifestyle all make his story unique. He shows that even when someone is born into a famous family, they can choose a peaceful path guided by values, love, and personal dreams rather than attention or fame.

Jovan’s Net Worth

Jovan’s estimated net worth comes from his career as a hydraulic engineer, a professional field known for offering stable and reliable income to those who work hard and gain experience. Unlike many people in celebrity families, Jovan built his financial success through education and his own efforts rather than public fame or entertainment-related income, which makes his achievements even more meaningful and respected.

Conclusion

Jovan Arriaga’s life is a meaningful mix of family legacy, personal independence, and quiet strength. Even though he comes from a world filled with music and fame, he built his life through education, hard work, and deep values passed down from his parents. He continues to honor Selena’s memory in his own gentle way while creating a future built on stability and purpose. His story is proof that legacy is not only carried through public attention but also through kindness, resilience, and the choices a person makes every day.

FAQs About Jovan Arriaga

1. Who is Jovan Arriaga?

Jovan Arriaga is the son of Suzette Quintanilla and the nephew of the late Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla. He is known for living a private life and working as a hydraulic engineer.

2. How old is Jovan Arriaga?

Jovan Arriaga was born on March 5, 1998, which makes him twenty-seven years old in 2025.

3. What does Jovan Arriaga do for a living?

He works as a hydraulic engineer, designing and helping manage water systems and environmental projects.

4. Who are Jovan Arriaga’s parents?

His parents are Suzette Quintanilla, former drummer of Selena y Los Dinos, and Bill Arriaga, who is known for living a quiet and private life.

5. Is Jovan Arriaga married?

No, he is not married, but he is in a long-term relationship with Mallory Smith.

6. Does Jovan Arriaga have siblings?

No, Jovan is an only child and does not have any brothers or sisters.

7. Why is Jovan Arriaga known to Selena fans?

He is known because he is Selena’s nephew, and many fans say he has a smile that reminds them of Selena.

8. Is Jovan Arriaga on social media?

Yes, he has an Instagram account, but it is private and only visible to people he approves.