Marco Rubio Discusses Music and Sports in Candid Podcast

WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Marco Rubio enjoys spending a perfect day watching 15 hours of college football, though he tends to lean towards hip-hop and EDM rather than country music, which he finds somewhat “too sad.”

In a rare, open conversation, top American diplomat Katie Miller spoke with Janet, Rubio’s wife and a former Miami Dolphins cheerleader, veering away from the usual topics of world peace and national security.

Despite their differing musical tastes, Rubio acknowledged that diplomacy is necessary to bridge the gap with his wife’s preference for country music.

Once a wedding DJ, Rubio shared that he discovered a unique way to enliven country music, which his wife adores. “I love electronic music because it often blends with classical, and that’s becoming common in country music,” he noted. “I enjoy remixes of familiar songs. For instance, the EDM version of ‘Ring of Fire’ is fantastic. I’m into that.”

“I listen to a variety of genres, except the ones I don’t like,” he said, choosing his words carefully while sitting alongside Janet. “It’s not that I’m anti-country music. It’s just not my thing. She loves it, though. Country is her thing.”

Rubio expressed his views on the genre: “Honestly, I find it quite sad. Many songs focus on themes of lost love and other misfortunes.”

Janet chimed in, emphasizing the need for music from artists like Morgan Wallen.

Rubio also revealed that Tupac Shakur is his favorite rapper, remarking on the tragedy of the artist not having the chance to fully realize his impact.

When Miller playfully suggested renaming the rapper as “Lil Marco,” a nod to a remark made by President Trump during the 2016 campaign, Rubio was taken aback. “I had never considered that. I might not excel at rapping, but I think I could recognize talent well enough as a producer,” he replied.

In this informal setting, Rubio opened up about how he would ideally spend his precious little downtime.

A long-time soccer enthusiast, he described a fantasy weekend replete with college and NFL football marathons from dawn until dusk, complete with short naps in between. “In my opinion, that would be an ideal weekend,” he said, sounding a bit wistful. “But realistically, that probably won’t happen.”

Janet conceded that while football isn’t her favorite pastime, she enjoys watching “a little bit,” especially when their son Anthony plays for the Florida Gators.

Looking ahead to life post-politics, Rubio mentioned wanting to pursue something “sports-related,” perhaps blending it with cultural elements.

He even floated the idea of a sports podcast that wouldn’t touch on politics or foreign policy. “What comes after politics? Honestly, I haven’t given it much thought. But I guess whatever pays well is a bonus,” he remarked with a hint of humor.