When talking about George Strait, you could hurl any number of adjectives his way and they'd all fit: legendary, iconic, influential.

But let's skip the superfluous and just tell a story.

When 21-year-old Sara Prieto heard George Strait would be in Fresno on Friday for his "Cowboy Rides Away" tour -- his promised final march around the country in 2013 and 2014 -- she had to have tickets. And not just for her, but for her parents, too.

Jose and Rebecca Prieto are the reason she likes country music today. They used to listen to George Strait songs when they were dating, their daughter says. So she got tickets for all three of them, a monumental task, really, considering the show sold out quickly.

Tickets remain in high demand -- partially because it's the "farewell" tour and partially because, heck, it's George Strait, aka The King of Country. Don't be surprised if at year's end, tonight's show ends up being the highest attended of the year at Save Mart Center.

While one person on Craigslist is selling "George Straight" (ahem!) tickets for $600 each, Prieto is happy she's getting in. The tickets she bought ended up being an anniversary present for Mom and Dad, so tonight they'll be there together, a whole family united by George Strait.

Think about that, the impact of George Strait.

How many 21-year-olds do you know who listen to the same music as their parents, let alone go to concerts with them? Kudos to this cross-generational cowboy.

"It's pretty amazing that an artist is able to do that," Prieto says. "He's classic."

Strait has managed to do what so many musicians, no matter the genre, haven't: stay commercially viable to listeners both young and old during four decades.

Look at the numbers: 24 chart-topping albums (dating back to 1981) and 59 No. 1 singles (as recently as last year) on the country charts. Those 59 No. 1 singles are more than any other artist in any genre -- Elvis, Mariah Carey, anybody.

"He spans the generations," says Jody Jo, the morning show co-host and music director at Kiss Country (KSKS, FM 93.7). "Everybody knows who he is. He doesn't leave anyone out."

"My kids know who he is," she says. "And my mom listened to him when he was just starting out."

All of this George-Strait-going-away talk needs an asterisk. The King has only said he'll stop touring. He still plans to play and record music. But if we've learned anything from people like Cher, it's that a "farewell tour" can be as temporary as a celebrity marriage.

If one day he decides to tour again, you can be sure people will be excited to see him.

"He knows what the people want. And the people want George Strait," says Jody Jo, who can back that up with dozens of people who have been asking her for tickets.

"He never disappoints. He's the kind of guy who stands on stage and sings. He doesn't jump around like Brad Paisley, but he sure puts on a good show."

If you want a closer point of view, talk to his opening act on this final tour, Martina McBride. She's toured with Strait before, but this time around, the spot is even more coveted.

"It's very special to be a part of someone's farewell tour," McBride says. "I'm very honored. I think it'll be emotional for sure. Especially for some fans who are getting to see him for the first time."

If the sold-out show, the chart success and the heaps of praise from the world of radio don't absolutely convince you that Strait is worthy of his crown, consider these words from McBride about her spot as Strait's opening act.

"When the phone rings and it's George Strait," McBride says, "you don't turn it down."

And that is what it's like to be The King.

Show information

George Strait with Martina McBride, 7:30 p.m. Friday at Save Mart Center. Tickets sold out. Details: savemartcenter.com (559) 347-3400.