HEARTFELT ANNOUNCEMENT: JIMMY FORTUNE ANNOUNCES HIS 2026 FAREWELL TOUR — “ONE LAST RIDE”
Just now in Nashville, Tennessee, a wave of emotion swept through the country music community as Jimmy Fortune, one of the most beloved voices of the genre, officially announced his 2026 Farewell Tour, aptly titled “One Last Ride.” With a tender smile and a voice still as pure as the Shenandoah wind, the legendary singer shared the news in a message that brought fans across the nation to tears.
“One last time, I will sing for the friends who became family,” Jimmy said softly, his eyes glistening with gratitude. The simple promise struck a chord that resonated far beyond the stage — a moment of both farewell and thanksgiving from a man whose songs have carried the faith, hope, and heart of small-town America for over four decades.
For fans who grew up hearing his voice as part of The Statler Brothers, this announcement feels like the closing of a golden era. From “Elizabeth” and “More Than a Name on a Wall” to “My Only Love,” Jimmy’s songs have long been woven into the emotional fabric of American life — hymns of remembrance, devotion, and everyday grace. His angelic tenor, often described as one of the purest voices in country and gospel music, has not only endured but deepened with age, carrying the kind of soul that only time can shape.
At the press event held at the Ryman Auditorium, Jimmy reflected on the journey that led him here. “Music has given me more than I ever dreamed,” he said. “It gave me purpose, friendship, and a way to share my faith. This tour isn’t about goodbye — it’s about giving thanks.”
The tour, set to begin in March 2026, will include stops in Nashville, Branson, Staunton, and Pigeon Forge, before concluding with a special homecoming concert in Virginia, the place where his story began. Each performance will be a blend of storytelling, gospel roots, and the timeless songs that made Jimmy Fortune a household name.
Those close to him say this farewell has been years in the making. After decades on the road, Jimmy has often spoken of his desire to spend more time with family, to slow down, and to reflect on the blessings of a life spent singing from the heart. Yet even in stepping away, he promises not to disappear entirely. “The road may end, but the songs will always live,” he said. “I’ll keep writing, keep praising, and keep loving the people who’ve loved me all these years.”
Tributes have already begun pouring in from fellow artists and fans alike. Ricky Skaggs called Jimmy “one of the purest voices God ever made,” while Bill Gaither described him as “a light for all who believe that music can heal.” Across social media, fans have shared memories of concerts, autographs, and moments when Jimmy’s voice brought them comfort in hard times.
For many, this farewell tour will be more than just a concert — it will be a pilgrimage. A chance to say thank you to a man who has spent his life turning faith into melody, and melody into love.
As the lights dim over Nashville and the first chords of “Elizabeth” echo once more, one thing will be certain: Jimmy Fortune’s legacy will not fade when the final curtain falls. It will linger — in churches, in car radios, and in the quiet hearts of those who still believe that a song can carry the soul home.
Because when Jimmy Fortune sings, it isn’t just music — it’s ministry.
And this “One Last Ride” is his way of saying what words alone never could: thank you, and God bless.