George Strait’s Final Tour — ‘The Cowboy Rides Away’ Will Be Legend’s Last Hurrah

The mighty "King" of country music, George Strait, is retiring - but just from touring, not recording music. Earlier this afternoon on a live stream on Facebook, George made the big announcement at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville.

George will launch his final tour on Jan. 18 in Lubbock with special guest Martina McBride.

This is going to be a very special, emotional tour for me. Everywhere we’re going holds fond memories and I’m looking forward to paying my respects.”

The tour will have at least 40 dates and maybe more. In his slow, laid back, "George Strait" way, he said he thought that sixty was a good age to stop touring. At least we have a chance to catch the King on tour, one last time.

The first 20 dates have been announced and more shows will be added. The initial dates include an April, 17 show at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo featuring opening act Randy Rogers Band and Martina McBride. Here's itirnary for the first 20 shows:

1/18 -- Lubbock, TX, United Spirit Arena

1/19 -- Oklahoma City, OK, Chesapeake Energy Arena

1/25 -- Salt Lake City, UT, Energy Solutions Arena

1/26 -- Nampa, ID, Idaho Center

1/31 -- Sacramento, CA, Power Balance Pavilion

2/1 -- Fresno, CA, SaveMart Center

2/2 -- Las Vegas, NV, MGM Grand Garden Arena

2/15 -- St. Paul, MN, Xcel Energy Center

2/16 -- Grand Forks, ND, The Alerus Center

2/22 -- Buffalo, NY, First Niagara Center

2/23 -- Hartford, CT, XL Center

3/1 -- Knoxville, TN, Thompson-Boling Arena

3/2 -- Lexington, KY, Rupp Arena

3/17 -- Houston, TX, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

3/22 -- Greenville, SC, Bi-Lo Center

3/23 -- Greensboro, NC, Greensboro Coliseum Complex

4/5 -- Albuquerque, NM, The Pit

4/6 -- Las Cruces, NM, Pan American Center

4/12 -- N. Little Rock, AR, Verizon Arena

4/13 -- New Orleans, LA, New Orleans Arena

If you've never seen George Strait live in concert, do your best to catch this last tour. He sounds just like he does on his records. Don't expect a lot of lights, smoke and action though. George doesn't need all that. He just stands in front of the microphone with his guitar -- and sings.

George has been in country music for over 30 years and has produced an incredible 59 No. 1 hits.  I look forward to playing George's 60th No. 1 and all the hits that follow!

Keep checking here on KNUE.com for more information on the final tour and on George!

We love you. George -- you are the King!