JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri's 58th Governor will be sworn into office Monday, but on the eve of the inauguration, Governor Mike Parson is reminiscing about his time in office.

Parson will tell you he never intended to be the governor, but six and a half years later, he's completing his term. In his final exclusive interview with our Missouri Capitol Bureau Chief Emily Manley, Missouri's 57th Governor said as he's passing the torch, he's telling the next governor to put the people of Missouri first.

"It's the office of governor," Parson said. "It's not the office of Parson; it's not the office of Nixon, Blunt, or Kehoe; it is the Office of Governor of the State of Missouri."

Shortly after being elected lieutenant governor, Parson ascended to the governorship. On Monday, he will say farewell to his elected position and political career.

"I'm proud of what we've been able to accomplish and I'm ready to go home," Parson said. "I want to go back to the farm; I want to see my grandkids; I want to see my family; and just for me and Teresa, we want to live a normal life."

Parson, born and raised in Wheatland, Missouri, calls his gubernatorial career surreal.

"It's the privilege of a lifetime but it is one of the most difficult jobs you'll ever have in your life," Parson said.

Parson officially hands over the reins to Mike Kehoe Monday at noon. Nearly seven years ago, Parson picked Kehoe to be his lieutenant governor.

He said Kehoe's inauguration reminds him of his own four years ago.

"You know, it's kind of like a one-day honeymoon that you get to enjoy that day," Parson said. "But the next day, the honeymoon is over and you start going through the work process."

As Kehoe prepares to take the stage Monday to give his speech, Parson says it's time for Missourians to listen.

"I would tell you what the governor says that day; he will give you an insight to his administration; to understand what he is saying in the beginning. He is setting the stage for the next eight years," Parson said.

As he leaves his political career in Jefferson City and returns to Bolivar, the 57th Governor wants elected officials to remember that it's a privilege to serve the people of Missouri.

"They took that job to be public servants, and their number one issue should be helping Missourians for whatever that process might be, in whatever capacity they are in, is to represent the State of Missouri and make sure you do that job," Parson said.

Last year, Parson released a biography about his life and political career called "No Turning Back."

Governor-Elect Mike Kehoe will be sworn in Monday on the South Capitol lawn at noon.