Parker McCollum deems his dad “a real-life superhero.” The Texas-born, country superstar, who is a father of one, has had some strong role models throughout his life, and he recently reflected on the impact they’ve made on him. The “To Be Loved By You” singer particularly pointed out that his father and his grandfather — his mother’s father — inspired his worth ethic and motivation to find success. He also credited his brother with fueling his creativity. McCollum said, in a statement previously shared by his record label:

“As far as my Dad, he’s like a real-life superhero. I mean the most incredible, self-disciplined, work ethic. I get my entire work ethic, I think, from him and my granddad, who’s actually my mom’s dad. I’m so lucky the kind of people that I come from, like I had no choice to go out and work hard and try to be successful. My brother definitely – that creative, artistic side of my brain I think it really was…he kind of catered to that when I was a kid. He really put a lot of emphasis on me showing that some love and some attention in trying to be creative and write songs and stuff. But I just think my work ethic and kind of drive to do things the right way come from my dad and my granddad, for sure. Just lucky to have that. I always say if everybody had a granddad like I had, the world would be a really good place.”

McCollum has also previously mentioned his family, including with a nod to his grandfather when he previously wished the King of Country, George Strait, a happy birthday. After meeting Strait at the 2021 iHeartCountry Festival and releasing a cover of one of his most iconic songs, McCollum wrote: “Happy birthday to the King! Not sure I would have ever started singing had I not heard Amarillo By Morning in my grandpas truck all those years ago. Thank you for setting the standard!”

Todd Matthews