Missouri Gov. Mike Parson speaking to reporters (property of Missourinet)

After more than six years at the helm, Gov. Mike Parson is serving his final days as Missouri's chief executive officer. He told Missourinet he's looking forward to going back home to Bolivar.

"I do think there's a time for people in this arena to go home. I think it's my time," said Parson. "I've had a wonderful, blessed career - all the things I've got to do, but I feel very comfortable about leaving. I think the state, for the most part, is in better shape than it was when I came here with all the turmoil that I took office."

Parson took over after former Gov. Eric Greitens resigned following campaign donation allegations and an extramarital affair.

"Just to kind of go back home and just kind of just understand what all's happened in six and a half years," said Parson. "To just take the time to kind of take all that in and be with my family and just relax for a little bit. And just kind of try to figure out what it's going to be like, and I don't have to worry about the phone ringing."

Term limits will force Parson out of office in January and fellow Republican ally, Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe, will become governor.