Country singer Cody Johnson has recalled a special conversation with George Strait before opening for him at the University of Clemson, describing it as more meaningful than the performance itself. During a 30-minute chat backstage, Strait offered Johnson words of encouragement that Johnson says "meant the world" to him, praising the way he was representing Texas and country music.

The pair spoke informally about golf, cattle and their shared Texas roots before Strait told Johnson, "Son, you're doing it the right way… I'm proud of you." Johnson also revealed he told Strait he had broken his attendance record at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, drawing over 80,000 fans, to which Strait jokingly replied he would have to return to "kick your a**". Johnson said the exchange, built on mutual respect between two Texan stars, made an already memorable night even more special.