Luke Bryan is looking forward to some fun time with his family. While the 47-year-old American Idol judge’s career is progressing at a breakneck pace, he’s looking forward to slowing things down and enjoying some quality time with his wife and children in the near future.

“I really haven’t been able to balance well this year,” he admitted in an interview with ET’s Rachel Smith at Luke’s 32 Bridge bar in Nashville, where the “One Margarita” singer threw Cau a party. Nut House Fan Club.

Referring to his wife of 16 years and college girlfriend, Caroline Boyer, Bryan continued: “I said, ‘Honey, this is a tough year, let’s get through it and then we’ll find a boat and go to the Caribbean or somewhere.'”

When Smith teased him that “you always say that”, Bryan laughed back: “That’s exactly what she said!”

“I like to go out and work,” Bryan told ET, admitting that while he’ll remain “really active” in his career next year, he’s also “going to slow down on some things.” .

With a few days off recently, Bryan took the opportunity to go “golf and fish with the boys” and spend time at the baseball field. Along with Caroline, the singer has two sons: Thomas “Bo” Boyer Bryan, 15, and Tatum “Tate” Christopher Bryan, 12.

“They were playing travel baseball,” Bryan said passionately. “You just try to make the time at home with them really count.”

While Bryan’s family is certainly an important support system, the country music star is also incredibly grateful to his fans — the “Nut House,” as they call them — for supporting him for 15 years. last year. These days, he says, he can happily feel “comfortable” while immersing himself in the important moments of his career. For example, headlining the biggest country music festival.

“It was all surreal,” he marveled. “I’m glad that now I can actually handle it calmly. I used to be so excited and almost didn’t like it, because I was so excited.”