Kenny Rogers Announces Retirement
Kenny Rogers announced his retirement during an appearance on the “Today” show this morning, with the promise that he would play one final worldwide tour before calling it quits.
The Country Music Hall of Fame member, who has sold more than 120 million records, released his latest holiday album – Once Again It’s Christmas – today. But Rogers had more on his mind than just his new LP.
Rogers told “Today” that he’s stepping away from the music business so he can spend more time with his family.
An announcement from his PR rep notes that details about Rogers’ final world tour will be revealed in the coming months. The last stop of the tour will take place at the “Today” show.
“I’ve had an incredible career,” Rogers said. “More than I’ve ever dreamed. And thanks to you guys who’ve supported me all these years. I wanted you to hear it from me. Not many people get to see the end of the rainbow. And I think I have. I think I’m have the beauty of this career and the beauty of getting to know you guys daily, out on the road and watching you kids grow up with me. And doing my Christmas tour every year.
“And as hard as it is to leave, I will tell you this. Younger and earlier in my career and in my book I wrote there’s a fine line between being selfish and being driven and I think I crossed that line a lot when I was younger and I didn’t get a chance to spend a lot of time with my older boys and I regret that now. And I’ve decided that my goal now is to stay home and help Wanda raise Justin and Jordan and be as much of an influence on them as my mother and father were on me, because that’s what parents are for. And I wanted you to hear that from me.
“I love all of you. I love the way you’ve treated me. You’ve always been respectful and I will miss you dearly but I must go be with my boys. Goodbye.”