Where Is Jovan Arriaga Now? The Private Life of Selena’s Nephew

Jovan Arriaga is the only son of Suzette Quintanilla, the sister of the late singer Selena Quintanilla. Many people know the Quintanilla name because of Selena, the “Queen of Tejano Music.” She changed Latin music forever and is still loved around the world.

But not everyone knows about Suzette’s family, especially her son Jovan. He grew up quietly, far away from the music stage that made his family famous. Yet people are curious about him because of his famous last name, his strong family ties, and his life today. In this article, we’ll look at who Jovan is, his background, and what makes his story interesting.

Jovan Arriaga Quick Bio

Jovan Arriaga’s Family Background

Jovan Arriaga was born into one of the most famous families in Latin music history. His mother, Suzette Quintanilla, was the drummer of Selena y Los Dinos. His aunt, Selena, became an international superstar before her tragic death in 1995. His uncle, A.B. Quintanilla III, is a songwriter and record producer known for many hits.

Jovan’s father is Bill Arriaga, who married Suzette in 1993. The couple welcomed their only child, Jovan, five years later. Even though Jovan grew up around music and fame, he has always stayed private. This mix of fame and privacy makes people even more curious about him.

When and Where Was Jovan Arriaga Born?

Jovan Arriaga was born on March 5, 1998, in the United States. As of 2025, he is 27 years old. His zodiac sign is Pisces, which is often linked to calm and creative people.

He comes from a mixed background of Mexican and Cherokee roots. This heritage is important to the Quintanilla family and is part of what connects Jovan to his famous relatives. He was raised in a Christian household, where family values were always a priority.

Jovan Arriaga’s Education Journey

Jovan Arriaga has always been known for being smart and focused. After graduating high school with honors in May 2017, he went on to study at Texas A&M University. There, he majored in Hydraulic Engineering — a field very different from the music world his family is famous for.

Choosing engineering shows how Jovan wanted to build his own path. He didn’t follow the stage lights or the music scene. Instead, he worked hard in school to create a career that matched his own interests. This has earned him respect as someone who is living life on his own terms.

What Does Jovan Arriaga Do for a Living?

Today, Jovan Arriaga works as a hydraulic engineer. This means he deals with water systems and designs that help cities and communities. It’s a field that requires skill and attention to detail, and Jovan has built a good reputation in his work.

According to reports, he has an estimated net worth of about $1.5 million as of 2023. This comes from his professional career, not from music or entertainment. It shows how Jovan has created his own success away from the public eye.

Is Jovan Arriaga on Instagram or Social Media?

Even though Jovan prefers to stay out of the spotlight, he does have a social media presence. His Instagram account has about 16.5k followers as of October 2023. However, the account is private, which means only people he accepts can see his posts.

His mother, Suzette, sometimes shares photos of him on her own account. This gives fans small glimpses into his life. Many people say Jovan’s smile looks just like Selena’s, and Suzette has mentioned this herself in a touching social media post.

Who Is Jovan Arriaga Dating?

Jovan Arriaga has been in a relationship with Mallory Smith since late 2019. Mallory is a second-grade teacher from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. She teaches at the School of Science and Technology in Corpus Christi.

The couple has kept their relationship low-key, just like Jovan’s overall lifestyle. While they are not always in the public eye, they are believed to have a happy and supportive partnership.

How Is Jovan Arriaga Connected to Selena Quintanilla?

Jovan Arriaga is best known as Selena Quintanilla’s nephew. His mother, Suzette, was Selena’s older sister and her band’s drummer. Even though Jovan was born three years after Selena passed away, her story is still a big part of his life.

Many fans say that Jovan looks a lot like Selena, especially when he smiles. Suzette has shared that Jovan’s smile reminds her of Selena, and that simple connection means a lot to the family. It shows how Selena’s memory continues through the people who loved her most.

Jovan Arriaga’s Relationship with His Parents

Jovan is very close to both his parents, Suzette and Bill Arriaga. They have been married since 1993, and their bond has stayed strong for over 30 years. They raised Jovan with love, care, and strong values.

Even though his parents don’t often speak in interviews, you can feel their family bond in the photos and moments shared on social media. The three were seen together at the MAC Selena event in 2016, smiling and supporting Selena’s memory. It was a rare moment when Jovan stepped into the spotlight, standing beside his proud parents.

Where Is Jovan Arriaga Now?

So, where is Jovan Arriaga now in 2025? He is living a peaceful life in Texas, staying far away from the spotlight. He continues working as a hydraulic engineer and seems happy building a quiet and stable life.

Jovan has chosen a different path than many celebrity kids. While his last name is famous, he never tried to use it for fame. He prefers privacy and keeps his personal life off the internet. That’s something many people respect about him.

How Did Selena’s Legacy Shape His Life?

Even though Jovan never met Selena, her story has always been around him. He grew up hearing her music, seeing her fans, and watching his mom keep her memory alive. That kind of legacy can be powerful.

Jovan may not be a singer, but he honors Selena in his own quiet way — by staying true to himself and supporting his family. Being part of the Quintanilla family means living with a story that touched millions. Jovan carries that with grace and respect.

What Is Suzette Quintanilla Doing Today?

After Selena passed away, Suzette stopped playing music but never stopped working for her sister’s memory. Today, she manages the Selena Museum in Texas and works with her father on their Latin entertainment business.

She also helped create “Selena: The Series” on Netflix and served as one of its executive producers. The show tells the story of Selena’s rise and the family’s journey, including Suzette’s own love story with Bill Arriaga.

Suzette also worked on major projects like the MAC x Selena makeup collection. She once shared that Selena had plans to launch a beauty line before she passed. Suzette promised herself that she would make that dream come true — and she did.

Final Thoughts

Jovan Arriaga may come from a famous family, but he has built a life that is all his own. He chose peace over popularity, and hard work over headlines. That’s what makes his story special.

He reminds us that even in a world full of fame, you can still choose a quiet and meaningful life. Whether it’s through his engineering work or his love for his family, Jovan honors his roots in a quiet and respectful way.

As of 2025, Jovan Arriaga continues to live privately, doing his best to carry on the family’s values — love, respect, and staying true to yourself.