Love Story: ETA Chris Collins
Q. Who are the important women in your life?
A. My aunt and my grandmother are very special ladies, both. When my mother passed away, they both stepped up to help me dad raise me and they're both equally responsible for helping me become the person I am today. They've both been through battles that I hope I never have to face in life, but rather than letting those battles put lines on their face, they let them build inside of them a strength and courage unmatched by any other. My girlfriend, I can never say enough. My girlfriend has been there through some of the worst parts of my life, and I through hers. She is kept me grounded and kept me persevering when I doubted myself the most. I couldn’t ask for a better partner to share life with.
Q. What men have had a positive influence on your life, and in what ways?
A. My Papa Don was the most incredible man I have ever met. He was the absolute definition of someone who walked by faith every day, and he showed me how to do that. I rarely ever, in the 23 years that I knew him, ever saw him get angry. He never seemed to waste his energy on the facets of life which he could not control, instead giving it to God and letting it be. My dad, talk about personal growth…when my mother passed away, it really took a lot out of him, and for several years. Flash forward to last year when he started his singing career as a Neil Diamond tribute artist at Elvis Week. I learned from him that, no matter how lost you are, if you keep on, you'll eventually find your way back.
Q. Who are the people in your life that you would like to thank? Why?
ETAs Ben King and Chris Collins in a photo by Jordan Poole.
A. I'd have to thank God, first of all. My life has been fraught with tragedy, but He surrounded me with good, strong, loving people. My dad, for being my friend when I needed it, and the hand of discipline when I needed it, and teaching me how to know the difference, and even though she hasn't been with me for a while, I have to thank my mother; oh, and both of my grandmothers, one of whom is still around, for teaching me what unconditional love really is. There's just so many.
Q. What would you like to say to your ETA fans?
A. “Friends,” as Elvis said, "May God bless you as He has blessed me." I had a conversation with a fan once who was telling me about her relationship problems and I said to her, don't ever settle for less than what you're worth, which is a million dollars. And I don't mean that in just relationships, I mean that in every area of your life. To close, if no one has told you they love you today, I love you, and I'll see you all very soon.
To learn more about ETA Chris Collins, please click on here