The cowboy culture has inspired many romantic novels as well as Hollywood films. There are even dude ranches throughout the U.S. which allow vacationers to live the cowboy experience. If you are one of those crazy about the cowboy lifestyle, then there is one real-life cowboy you need to know; his name is Ty Murray. He is simply one of the most accomplished cowboys in the world. Ty has won the World Rodeo Championships on seven occasions and has been inducted into numerous halls of fame. Find out more details about this acclaimed cowboy below.

Ty Murray Biography (Age)

Ty Monroe Murray was born on the 11th of October 1969 in Phoenix Arizona. His father’s name is Butch Harold while his mother’s name is Joy. He also has two sisters named Kim and Kerri. Ty Murray fell in love with Rodeo at an early age. He started riding when he was just a toddler and won his first rodeo title at the age of 8.

Murray was so passionate about Rodeo that when asked what his future life ambition was, he replied that he wanted to overtake Larry Mahan’s record. For those who do not know, Larry Mahan is a legendary rodeo rider. Ty Murray did not stop at having these lofty dreams but also took steps to make it a reality. He embarked on unicycle riding and even gymnastics all in a bid to improve his coordination.

Murray’s hard work paid off in his senior year of high school when he won three titles including the National All-Round Championship and the National High School (All-Round and Bare Back) Championships.

Murray did not allow this early taste of success to get to his head, rather he trained harder and a year later (in 1988), he was named the All Round Rookie and Bare Back Rookie of the year by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Ty Murray continued his impressive form in 1989 when he won the World All-Round Rodeo Championship. He did this at the age of 21, becoming the youngest person to achieve such a feat.

Ty Murray would go on to win the world championships six more times, thus eclipsing his idol, Larry Mahan, who only won six. Murray retired from active riding in the year 2002. Since then, he has been inducted into numerous halls of fame including the Bull Riding Hall of Fame, Texas Sports Hall of Fame, Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame, and Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.

It must be noted that Murray’s success did not come without a price. He sustained multiple injuries in the course of his career including in both shoulders and both knees.

His Net Worth

Ty Murray enjoyed a lucrative career, he has a net worth estimated at $12 million. Murray made his wealth from a variety of sources including his sporting exploits and endorsement deals. He has done commercials for several companies including Miller Light Beer. Murray has also worked as a bull riding commentator on CBS.

Wife and Son

Ty Murray has been married twice. His first marriage was to the award-winning country singer, Jewel. They commenced their relationship in 1999 and were together for ten years before tying the knot on the 7th of August 2008. Their union produced a son named Kase Townes, he was born in July 2011. Murray and Jewel announced their divorce in July 2014. The split was an amicable one and they remain friends.

Murray is now married to Paige Duke. Duke is also a rodeo enthusiast and a native of Lancaster, South Carolina. She studied animal and veterinary science at Clemson University and graduated in 2009. Since leaving college, Duke has worked as a model as well as a sports reporter. She has also hosted her own cooking show on TV as well as authored a cookbook.

Murray first met Duke in Las Vegas in 2014. This was at an after party held during the National Rodeo Finals. They dated for two years and got engaged on the 1st of September 2016. Murray and Duke tied the knot a year later in September 2017. The couple now has a daughter together. She is named Oakley and was born in September 2018.

Other Facts To Know About Ty Murray

1. Ty Murray started riding young calves at the age of three. He also used his mom’s sewing machine as an improvised bucking machine.

2. Despite the early success he enjoyed in his chosen sport, Murray was still able to get an education. He had his high school education at Deer Valley High School, Glendale and also graduated from Odessa College, Texas.

3. He made his first million at the age of 23, the youngest rodeo rider to do so.

4. Murray has appeared on the cover of several magazines including Sports Illustrated.