Yellowstone features tons of country songs in its episodes. The show formed an even stronger connection to the country music community when it cast CMA Award-winning artist Lainey Wilson in its fifth season.
The show’s first prequel series, 1883, starred Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. The country music power couple played James and Margaret Dutton, the ancestors of Kevin Costner‘s John Dutton.
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For those reasons and due to the general theme of the shows, Yellowstone, 1883, and the new prequel series 1923 are popular with many country music fans. Naturally, people have wondered what “The King of Country,” George Strait, thinks of the shows.
Strait shared his thoughts about Yellowstone and 1883 in a recent interview with Cowboys & Indians. He said he watches a lot of TV, and has seen both shows:
“I’ve seen both and thought they were great,” he said. “Tim and Faith were outstanding in 1883 and of course, Kevin Costner is always great.”
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That means Strait would have seen the shout-out to him in the fifth episode of Yellowstone‘s fourth season. The scene shows Jimmy meeting the legendary horse trainer Buster Welch at the 6666 ranch, though he has no idea who he is.
A ranch hand tells Jimmy, “There’s three gods in Texas: the Almighty hisself, Buster Welch, and George Strait. You just met one of ’em.” Knowing good and well that wasn’t Strait, Jimmy realizes he just met Welch.
That is THE Buster Welch! #YellowstoneTV pic.twitter.com/cmGnc0fjnx
— Yellowstone (@Yellowstone) November 29, 2021
Welch actually appeared on the show to play himself. He passed away a few months later (in June 2022) at the age of 94.
Watch the video below for a full explanation of the scene that referenced Welch and Strait on Yellowstone.