Can I tell you why Jeff Foxworthy is my all-time favorite comedian? There are a lot of reasons, but there is one that sticks out in my head. I had the privilege of driving him to his show at the Eastern Idaho State Fair because I was available.
I was available because 4 years ago, I chipped a nail while setting up chairs at the fairgrounds for another comedian and my coworkers are tired of hearing about it. So they let me play Uber driver for the day while they do the hard work. It’s not the worst deal in the world. In fact, I would say it works out nicely for me.
When I found out I would be Jeff Foxworthy’s driver for the day, I was beyond excited. Then I found out I would be doing it in a minivan and a little piece of me died. This did not sound fun. I mean, this is Jeff Foxworthy, comedy legend, and I’m showing up in a minivan. Make it make sense. The salesperson told me by the time I returned it, I would be craving the minivan life. I so wanted him to be wrong, but sadly he was not.
Give me a 2024 Toyata Sienna immediately! It’s a dang nice van.
I pulled up to the hotel and sent Jeff’s manager a text message to the effect of, “Walk into the parking lot and look for the super cool white minivan. There you’ll find me.” Then Jeff Foxworthy walked out of his everyday hotel, looking all calm and casual. Right off the bat, he made me feel comfortable, like we were old pals going on a road trip. No big ego, no diva attitude—just a down-to-earth guy ready for a day at the fair.
As we got to chatting during what has become maddening rush hour traffic in Idaho Falls, Jeff mentioned he used to have a minivan when his girls were little. I told him that now that I only have one kid at home, there’s no logical reason for me to own one.
This is the best part, peeps. Brace yourselves.
He then said he couldn’t believe I was old enough to have a kid who had already moved out and asked me how old I was. I told him I was 40, and he was genuinely surprised. "I would have never guessed," he said, which gave me enough confidence to carry me into the next decade.
I was overjoyed. Good skincare routines do work. Bring on the Botox, Daxxify, Jeuveua, I will take it all. Thank you Lori Schmalz for keeping my skin looking amazing.
I repeated this conversation to literally anyone who would listen for the rest of the evening. Nobody could tell me anything. I even told this fabulous story to the unnamed fair manager to which he immediately replied, “Because you look 50?” But no one could ruin my natural high, but he’s dead to me at the same time.
But back to Jeff. As we drove, he seemed genuinely interested in the fair itself. He was excited to try all the classic fair foods: corn dogs, funnel cakes, fried everything. He mentioned he loved the local food scene in different places and had a soft spot for the weird, creative dishes you only find at fairs. He told me he planned to spend his 80s going out in a blaze of glory of eating anything and everything he wanted. Watching him dive into a variety of deep-fried treats with such enthusiasm, I believed him. I felt like I was witnessing the real Jeff Foxworthy, not just the guy who performs on stage but someone who truly enjoys life’s simple pleasures.
Between bites of fried potato and BBQ-slathered meats, Jeff shared stories about some of the celebrities he’s met over the years. According to him, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill are two of the nicest people in the entertainment business. He told Tim he liked his watch and he slid it off his wrist. Jeff still has it to this day. And Jennifer Garner? Apparently, she's just as sweet and genuine as she seems on TV.
So yeah, Jeff Foxworthy is my favorite comedian. Not just because he’s hilarious, but because he thinks I look like a youngin’. Plus, he’s humble, kind, and one of those people who make you feel better just by being around them. And after that day, I’ll always have a story about how I once drove a comedy legend around Idaho in a trusty minivan—fried foods and all.