Though not a native Texan, Robert Duvall, whose death was announced Monday, embraced the state’s Western mystique as if he’d been born to it.

That admiration, of course, was returned twofold. Duvall’s portrayal of Gus McCrae in “Lonesome Dove” earned him a lasting place in Texas cultural imagination. Duvall also has a star on the Texas Trail of Fame in the Fort Worth Stockyards.

I found him once in Fort Worth at the brand-spanking-new Dickies Arena in December 2019. Duvall was there for the unveiling of the statue of cutting horse trainer Buster Welch, his good friend, and his famed horse, Peppy San Badger — “Little Peppy.”

He was sitting at a table in the north end — I believe that’s the north end — bar and reception area. I didn’t want to be that guy, but it’s Robert Duvall — Tom Hagen — we’re talking about.

I approached him and sat down. He couldn’t have been nicer or more welcoming, though the conversation was difficult. He was nearing 89, and as the conversation wore on, I reckoned his hearing had not aged quite as gracefully as the rest of him.

“We’ve known Buster through the years,” said Duvall, a bit of a horseman who has done some show jumping. “A great guy. He loved the way my wife rode a horse. She’s from northern Argentina.”

Buster Welch, who died in 2022 at age 94, was a legend. Welch was a defining figure for NCHA’s premier event for 3-year-olds, winning a record five NCHA Futurity titles (1962, 1963, 1966, 1971, 1977), as well as four NCHA World championships (1954, 1956, 1974, 1976). In addition to Little Peppy, some of his notable equine partners included Marion’s Girl, Dry Doc, Mr San Peppy and Haidas Little Pep.

“I met him through the Perini Ranch Steakhouse in Buffalo Gap,” Duvall said. “A good restaurant. He was looking for the same steak place we were, too. He said, ‘You’re Bob Duvall.’ I had a feeling it was him. He said, ‘I’m Buster Welch.’ I said, ‘I thought so.’ I had heard about him.”

Duvall was in Fort Worth that night with his wife, Luciana, and others. Another gentleman sat near him at the table chomping on a cigar.

“That’s, uh … that’s uh,” Duvall thought, unable to come up with a name while sustaining an apparent passing senior moment. “Well, his brother is an actor, too.”

Turns out it was Rooster McConaughey, brother of Matthew McConaughey — the alright, alright, alright guy.