Riley Green has his ideal date figured out: a steak dinner, an old movie at a drive-in theater and a ride in his 1972 Ford Bronco, perhaps with the top down. Finding someone to take along has proved more complicated for the country singer.
Green, 38, confirmed that he is single in an October 30 interview with PEOPLE for its 2026 Sexiest Man Alive issue. His explanation centered on the practical demands of a career that has expanded beyond recording and performing music.
Even time with his dog, Carl, has become difficult to arrange. Green said he hadn’t seen him in a month, offering a glimpse of how much his work keeps him away from home. “I can barely make this lifestyle work!” he admitted.
He has made room for romance before, including an elaborate Valentine’s Day surprise for a woman he was dating. His sisters have also taught him a few things about relationships, including that he isn’t always right and some arguments aren’t worth winning.
Touring and Television Keep Green Moving Between Cities
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Green estimated that his music career puts him on the road more than 200 days a year. Becoming a coach on The Voice added regular trips to Los Angeles, leaving him to fit another television commitment around an already demanding touring schedule.
According to NBC’s season announcement, the singing competition returned September 21 with Green and Queen Latifah joining returning coaches Adam Levine and Kelly Clarkson. Both newcomers are making their coaching debuts during the show’s 30th season.
Green also expanded into acting this year through Marshals, the Yellowstone spinoff starring Luke Grimes. He plays Garrett, a former Navy SEAL connected to Kayce Dutton and Cal, as CBS identifies the character.
The move into acting was unfamiliar territory. Green told PEOPLE that knowing Grimes before joining the production helped him feel more comfortable, particularly because they shared scenes.
He Built a Lakeside Valentine’s Surprise One Piece at a Time
For his Valentine’s Day date, Green bought an old-fashioned white canvas tent and chose a spot overlooking the lake on his farm. He decorated the tent with string lights and prepared a campfire, putting together an outdoor setting he thought was especially romantic.
Keeping the preparations secret required some improvisation. His date was already at the farm, so he repeatedly excused himself by saying he needed to check on the animals. Each trip outside gave him another chance to work on the tent, sometimes adding just one pole before returning.
Green was proud of how everything looked when it was finished. But when asked about the woman’s reaction, he acknowledged that he wasn’t sure she had appreciated the surprise as much as he had. He did not identify her or explain why their relationship ended.
“Well, it didn’t go that well. I mean, here we are,” he said with a laugh.
Public Attention Can Make Meeting Someone More Complicated
Green had discussed another obstacle during a July 2026 appearance on This Past Weekend with Theo Von. In the podcast conversation, he explained that playing to large crowds doesn’t necessarily create opportunities to meet a potential partner. Much of his time around concerts is spent backstage or on his bus.
He also expressed reluctance about meeting someone through Instagram and uncertainty about whether a person’s interest might be connected to his celebrity. Being recognizable can complicate ordinary evenings out, too, even when he isn’t performing.
Green described feeling uncomfortable drawing attention at another artist’s concert. Requests for photographs could make him feel as though he was distracting people from the show. At a restaurant, his concern was about creating a scene around other diners. He recalled sitting with Von on bar back decks, away from other customers.
His Nephew Has Him Thinking About Fatherhood
Asked by PEOPLE whether he wanted children, Green said he did. He spoke fondly of his nephew, Joe, and the pleasure he takes in following the boy’s life. FaceTime calls and updates about Joe’s sporting activities help him stay connected with his family in Alabama.
Green recognizes that having children would require changes to his routine. During the earlier conversation with Von, he imagined eventually reducing his schedule to roughly 40 to 60 shows a year. That was a hope for the future, rather than an announced touring reduction.
As for a potential partner, Green told PEOPLE he finds passion attractive. He appreciates someone with interests and ambitions of her own and enjoys listening to a person talk enthusiastically about something she loves.
His tastes in movies also leave room for romantic comedies. Having grown up with two sisters, he is familiar with films including How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and The Wedding Planner.
A New Album Will Take Green Back on Tour in 2027
Green released his fourth studio album, That’s Just Me, on September 18. The 19-track record was produced by Dann Huff and co-produced by Green. Its opening song, “My Way,” also appeared in Marshals, connecting his music with his new television role.
On September 28, Green announced a 29-date tour for 2027. Muscadine Bloodline, Randy Houser, Jake Worthington and Hannah McFarland are among the supporting performers scheduled for selected dates.
The tour begins April 1 in Spokane, Washington, with stops across the United States and Canada. The announced run ends July 31 at Milwaukee’s American Family Insurance Amphitheater.