Kenny Rogers, a Country Music Hall of Famer, who changed the game in his field, thinks it is time to retire after 57 years in the entertainment industry. “The Gambler” singer released a new album on Friday and plans to say goodbye at the end of his next tour.
Kenny Rogers, 77, one of the best-selling music artists of all time, says the moment has come for him to retire and say goodbye to his numerous fans around the globe. The Houston, Texas native made the surprising announcement Friday morning during an interview on NBC’s Today show. Rogers appeared on the program to promote his 76th album, Once Again It’s Christmas, which was released on September 25. The country music superstar, who received a plaque from Savannah Guthrie and Carson Daly for selling over 120 million albums, told them:
“I’m going to do a big worldwide tour, and it’s going to be my last. I’m going to say goodbye at that point; I’ve done this long enough. Sometimes there’s a fine line between being driven and being selfish, and I think I crossed that line when I was younger. I really want to be there with my kids and my wife. I don’t see enough of them. And I have some things on my bucket list.”
The “I Can’t Unlove You” singer wants to spend more time with his wife, Wanda Miller Rogers, and their identical twin sons – Jordan and Justin – who are 11 years old. The legendary artist explained:
“I’m sure I will miss it. I swore that I would do this until I embarrassed myself. And I’m getting to where I don’t walk around well … my mobility’s really driving me crazy.”
At the end of the tour, the King of Country Music (with George Strait and Hank Williams) will perform one last show on NBC’s Today in New York City. Rogers will start his Once Again Its Christmas Tour on November 12 in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. The busy schedule will take the country artist to Westbury, NY on December 23. Rogers plans to keep his artistry active via other projects. For example, he will be releasing a photography book featuring impressive landscapes. He explained:
“There are probably 550 pictures, so there will be at least two books. One will be called American Beauty, and it’s all waterfalls and beautiful canyon shots. It’s really spectacular. And the other will be places I’ve been and things I’ve seen, and it’ll be pictures from China, Africa, Europe, Switzerland — over the Alps in a helicopter.”
Please come to Texas or the South Kenny! I want to see you in concert!
Fan sense the First Edition WISH YOU ALL A FULL BOAT GAMBLER
HOPE YOU COME TO CHARLESTON SOUTH CAROLINA WE NEED YOU
Yes!! I would love to see him. He is my FAVORITE singer in the world. No one will ever replace him. He is not only a singer, but a great entertainer. I always enjoy hearing him.
You are & will always be my all time favorite singer. Please come back to Nashville, Tn.