GEORGE STRAIT ANNOUNCES “THE COWBOY RIDES AWAY TOUR” — HIS FINAL TWO-YEAR TOUR
Country music royalty George Strait, affectionately known as the “King of Country,” has officially announced plans for his final two-year tour, titled The Cowboy Rides Away Tour, during a heartfelt press conference at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville.
Standing before a room filled with journalists, fellow artists, and longtime collaborators, Strait spoke with his trademark humility and grace, confirming what many fans had long anticipated — that this would mark his farewell to extensive touring after more than three decades on the road.
“I’ve been blessed to do what I love for so many years,” Strait said. “But I always knew there would come a time when I’d want to slow down a little. I don’t want it to sound like I’m quitting — I’ll still make music and perform special shows — but as far as going out on the road year after year, this will be the last one.”
The Cowboy Rides Away Tour, spanning two years, promised to be a monumental send-off for the artist who helped define the sound of modern country music. The tour featured dozens of dates across North America, taking Strait back to cities and venues where his career first took flight. Each night was designed as a celebration — not only of his extraordinary body of work but also of the fans who had stood by him for more than 30 years.
Strait’s farewell tour lineup included a rotating roster of special guests, from rising stars to country legends, each sharing the stage with the icon to perform some of his greatest hits — including classics like “Amarillo by Morning,” “Check Yes or No,” “The Chair,” and “Ocean Front Property.”
The tour’s name, The Cowboy Rides Away, carried deep symbolism for both Strait and his fans. The title track, first released in 1985, became a fitting anthem for this moment — a song about moving on with dignity, gratitude, and quiet strength. For millions of listeners, it encapsulated the spirit of George Strait’s career: steady, timeless, and true.
Fans across the country reacted with both excitement and emotion as the announcement spread. Many expressed gratitude for the chance to see Strait live one more time, calling it the end of an era in country music. Concert tickets sold out within minutes in several cities, and social media buzzed with memories of his concerts and stories of how his music had shaped people’s lives.
Even as he bid farewell to touring, Strait made it clear that this was not a full goodbye. “I’ll still be around,” he told reporters with a smile. “I’m just not going to live on a bus anymore.” True to his word, he has continued to perform select shows, including his celebrated Las Vegas residencies and major festival appearances.
Still, The Cowboy Rides Away Tour remains one of the most significant milestones in country music history — a farewell worthy of a man whose voice and artistry have defined generations. It wasn’t just another tour; it was a thank-you letter set to music, a final bow from the King himself.
As George Strait once sang, “There’s a difference in living and living well.” With his farewell tour, he reminded the world what it means to live well — with grace, humility, and a song in his heart that will echo for years to come.