As one of the long-reigning king of country music, it's no surprise that George Strait is the frontman on an upcoming issue of 'People Country.' In addition to posing for a cover photo--wearing his signature black cowboy hat, obviously--Strait gave an interview for the first time in five years. You don't want to miss out on this issue of the magazine!

Strait has been relatively quiet for the past half-decade, but now that he's about to ride off into the sunset and leave his lengthy stint as a touring country star behind, the iconic singer dished about his career, his blessings and his final The Cowboy Rides Away Tour. Of course, Strait isn't leaving behind the industry for good--after his final trek, he plans to release another album.

“I’ve got great fans,” he told People Country. “Some of them have been coming out since the '80s, and that means so much to me. They have been so loyal.”

With so many devoted fans to think about, making the decision to stop touring wasn't easy for the infamous 'All My Exes Live in Texas' singer.

“I had second thoughts about it, and third thoughts," he said."Walking up on stage is still so much fun for me. Such a thrill… there’s nothing like it. I’ll miss that.”

In the interview, Strait also dishes about his exemplary country music career, during which he has sold more than 65 million albums and recorded 59 No. 1 hits.

“I’ve been blessed with the ability to sing, and that has taken me so many places I never would have gone otherwise. I’ve had great people around me from the beginning … and they never tried to make me someone I wasn’t.”

Strait saying he has the "ability to sing" is just about the understatement of the century. We certainly can't imagine Straight being anyone but himself--the king of country music. Pick up the December issue of People Country at your local newsstand now.

 

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