Parker McCollum has been vocal about his admiration of George Strait. But it turns out, McCollum looks up to Strait for a lot more than just his musical ability. The 33-year-old says he also wants to be like the Country Music Hall of Fame member in almost every aspect of his life.
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"I'd be completely lying to you if I told you there wasn't still the part of me that's like, 'Yeah, George Strait,'" McCollum tells People. "With George, I would love to be the next George Strait off the stage: long marriage, great dad, great family man, great businessman, a spotless reputation, never been in trouble, never embarrassed his family on the news. I just think that's so baller," McCollum says. "I think there's not going to be a lot of people in 50 years who still got it all together like that man does."
McCollum is one of the fortunate few who have gotten to tour with Strait. McCollum is the opening act for several of the shows on Strait's Stadium Tour. As a result, he has also gotten to know the King of Country Music.
"George and I spent a little bit of time together, and he's just an unbelievably kind human being," McCollum tells Audacy. "Just a really, really sweet man, and he's the King of Country music. He's a living, breathing legend, and just the greatest to ever do it. And he just couldn't be more down to earth and genuine and kind.
"And, every time I've been around him,' he remarks, "I've really enjoyed just getting to talk with him a little bit. I have a lot of respect for him."
Parker McCollum's Hilarious Warning to George Strait
McCollum has a total of four No. 1 hits, and could soon have his fifth, with "What Kinda Man." Impressive for an artist who just released his fourth studio album. Still, he knows he has a ways to go to reach Strait's record of 60.
"You know, the number ones are just crazy to me," McCollum tells CMT. "It never really was a thing. I always knew George had 60."
"I guess I never really thought about it too much, then now we have four. I'm only 56 behind him, so I should be able to catch up pretty soon," he adds with a laugh.
Interestingly, McCollum now says he no longer believes he no longer fits in the country genre.
