American Idol contestant Colin Stough has a lot to thank his mother for. But he can’t say the same for his father.
So, who are his parents? Read on to find out.
American Idol: Who Are Colin Stough’s Parents?
Colin Stough loves his parents, Nara Johnson Goza and Bunky Goza, to the moon. But Bunky isn’t the country singer’s biological father.
Sadly, Colin’s father chose alcohol and drugs over Colin and his mother. In a clip recorded before his musical debut on American Idol, he can be heard saying, “My dad, he was never really there. He chose alcohol and drugs over me and my mother. Man, that would kill a family, you know.”
He then went on to wow the judges with his performance of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man.” With Luke Bryan so impressed that he said Colin was “what American Idol is all about” and Katy Perry assuring Colin had “magic,” he easily earned his ticket to Hollywood.
Colin then sang “Stone” by Whiskey Myers, “Cold” by Chris Stapleton, “Midnight Train to Memphis” by The SteelDivers and “Pretty Heart” by Parker McCollum to finally reach the top 20.
Meet Nara Johnson Goza, Colin Stough’s Mother
Nara Johnson Goza is Colin Stough’s loving mother. She’s the one who signed him up for the audition. You may have also seen Nara at the American Idol auditions. She was brought in after Colin said he wanted to audition because “nothing really came of it… I wanted to change that.”
Nara then revealed that she bought Colin his first guitar when he was five years old and he has been playing guitar ever since.
“My secret is out. Wow, it’s hard to keep a secret. Colin Stough, you have no idea how proud Bunky Goza and I and everyone else are of you. Always be yourself and the stars will be yours!!!! Love you,” Nara, a proud mother, wrote on her Facebook page.
Also, since Colin made it to the top 20, he is still far from home. “Missing my son especially tonight! We have never been apart like this before. I am trying to respect his wishes and wait until he makes it to the top 10 but Colin Stough, you can see your mom any day!!! Love you the most baby bug,” Nara remembered him.
Nara Johnson Goza is 44 years old in 2023.
This means she gave birth to Colin when she was 26 years old.
Nara Johnson Goza works as a HR Coordinator at Diversicare of Amory.
For her education, she attended Sulligent School, Bevill State Community College, and the University of Alabama.
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Is Nara Johnson Goza on Instagram?
Sadly we can’t find her on Instagram.
But follow her on Facebook @NaraJohnsonGoza.
Meet Bunky Goza, Colin Stough’s Father
Bunky Goza is not Colin Stough’s biological father. But he is no less a father figure.
On American Idol, the singer expressed his gratitude to his extended family, who helped him and his mother get back on their feet after his father left. He said, “Thank you so much to my family for welcoming us when we first came back. It’s hard to find people who will help you. I know right here in this Gattman circle, any of them would do that for anyone.”
Like Nara, Bunky is also proud of their son. “Guys, tune in tonight to see if Colin makes it to the Top 20 of American Idol. As a reminder, there will be a 3-hour special tonight (7:00-10:00 CST), please support Colin on his American Idol journey – it’s in your hands now. Thank you everyone,” he promoted Colin on his FB.
Bunky Goza was born before 1969. That means he would be at least 53 years old in 2023.
He received birthday wishes on October 14.
Sadly, his mother, Linda Ann Goza, passed away on February 28, 2022, at the age of 79. A native of Starkville, Mississippi, she was retired from the Chickasaw School District where she worked as a teacher for many years. She was also the former co-owner of Bargain Warehouse in Houston, MS.
Last we checked, Bunky’s father Robert Lamar Goza Sr., brother Benny Goza and sister Marsha Depriest were still alive.
Bunky Goza is a medical professional. He works at North Mississippi Health Services and North Mississippi Medical Center.
Previously, he served as Director of the Monroe County Emergency Operations Agency.
Regarding education, he attended Houston High School, then Itawamba Community College and finally graduated from Mississippi State University in 1991.
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Is Bunky Goza on Instagram?
We couldn’t find Bunky on Instagram. But here’s his Facebook @bunky.goza.
Related FAQs
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Where do Colin Stough’s parents live?
Colin’s parents live in Amory, Mississippi.
In fact, Nara and Bunky are both from Gattman and Houston, Mississippi.
Speaking of Amory, Mississippi, Colin said it’s a small town of fewer than 300 people. “You drive a truck, you’re in the military, or you work in a factory — there’s really no middle ground,” he added.
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How many children do Colin Stough’s parents have?
Colin is the only child of both parents.
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Are Colin Stough’s parents still together?
Colin’s parents, Nara and Bunky got married on May 25, 2019. 3 years later, they are still together.