**Country Star Riley Green Reflects on Life, Love, and Career Aspirations**
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Riley Green, the 38-year-old country music sensation known for his chart-topping hits and captivating presence, recently revealed his openness to finding love during a photoshoot for PEOPLE’s “Sexiest Man Alive” issue. As a bachelor amidst a flourishing career marked by numerous accolades, including seven No. 1 songs, Green finds himself at a crossroads, eager to balance his personal and professional life amidst the whirlwind of success.
Sitting comfortably in an armchair on a bright Nashville afternoon, Green praised the fundamental role his mother, Karen, has played in nurturing his confidence over the years. “She always told me I looked my best in my uniform at every sporting event,” he shared. Karen’s unwavering support included taking him to guitar lessons, laying the groundwork for his future as a musician and helping him pursue his dreams in the music industry.
Green’s casual attire—a Buck Mason shirt paired with Carhartt jeans—coupled with his signature cowboy boots and hat, reflects the down-to-earth persona that has endeared him to fans. His magnetic presence extends beyond music, as he also made his acting debut in the spinoff series “Yellowstone: Marshals” and took on the role of a coach in the upcoming season of NBC’s “The Voice.”
Despite a busy schedule filled with performances and television commitments, Green remains grounded. He cherishes his moments at home in Alabama, where he enjoys watching his nephew play football and working on his farm, which includes plans for a lake. While he jokes about ribbing from friends regarding his new title as one of PEOPLE’s 2026 Sexiest Men Alive, he recalls winning the Sexiest Country Star accolade in a readers’ choice poll the previous year. “I’ll get teased, but nobody can ever take this away from me!” he said with a grin.
Green’s journey in country music may have started unexpectedly. Initially, music was a hobby he enjoyed with his grandfather, but after transitioning away from sports in college, he embraced songwriting and performing as a form of expression. “It all changed when I started performing my own songs. I realised the power of connecting with an audience,” he reflected, recalling how feedback from crowds shaped his songwriting approach.
One of his latest tracks, “My Way,” which showcased a catchy guitar riff, gained ample attention even before the full album release. He expressed pride in the track, which has already received love from audiences during live performances. “That’s always been a cool thing for me,” he remarked about the instant reactions from concert-goers.
Stepping into the world of acting opened new doors for Green. He admits he was uncertain about his abilities but found support in fellow actor Luke Grimes, easing his nerves during their shared scenes. “It was exciting to try something new, and having someone like Luke around helped me a lot,” he explained.
As he prepares for the live shows of “The Voice,” Green expressed gratitude for the team surrounding him, including notable stars like Queen Latifah and Adam Levine. “I couldn’t have picked better people to be around. I’m excited to see how everything unfolds,” he said, acknowledging that the experience has brought its share of challenges, but it’s a journey he embraces.
On the subject of personal life, Green shared his thoughts about potential fatherhood. He admitted that while he hopes to settle down one day, balancing his demanding career with personal relationships poses its challenges. “I have a busy lifestyle, and I struggle sometimes to make it work. But I treasure FaceTime calls with my nephew and family,” he reflected, showcasing his commitment to maintaining close ties despite being on the road.
Romance has not been without light-hearted attempts; he recalls a Valentine’s Day where he went the extra mile to surprise a date by setting up a makeshift tent by the lake on his farm. However, he chuckled as he admitted that not all of his romantic gestures have gone as planned. “It didn’t go that well, but I thought it was romantic!” he joked.
When it comes to his workout routine, Green confesses that he has to motivate himself to get started but believes in focusing on one muscle group each day. Music plays a notable role in his workouts, with a playlist that spans various genres, including reggae and soul.
As for what he finds attractive, Green believes that passion is key. “I think there’s something captivating about someone who is truly focused on what they love, whether it’s hunting or shopping,” he stated, indicating that meaningful conversations stem from shared interests.
Riley Green continues to carve out a notable presence in both music and television, maintaining authenticity and a strong connection to his roots. As he navigates the challenges of fame, he remains hopeful that love will find him amidst his busy lifestyle.