At 70 years old, country and gospel music legend Jimmy Fortune opens his heart about one of the most emotional days of his life—the day The Statler Brothers took their final bow. This moment, feared by countless fans, cast a wave of sorrow and nostalgia across the entire country music world.
In a deeply heartfelt and reflective interview, Jimmy looked back on that day not with bitterness, but with a mixture of gratitude, sorrow, and hope. “It wasn’t just the end of a group,” he said softly, “It was the closing of a chapter that changed my life.”
For more than twenty years, Jimmy Fortune was the youngest member of the legendary Statler Brothers, stepping in after Lew DeWitt’s departure in 1982. With his soaring tenor and soulful songwriting, Jimmy quickly became a beloved voice in the group’s legendary harmony. Yet in 2002, after decades of touring, recording masterpieces, and reshaping country music, the group made the solemn decision to retire.
Jimmy still vividly recalls that final show. “I looked out at the crowd and saw faces that had been with us for decades—people who had grown up with our songs, who attached their memories to our music,” he recalled. “And I wondered, ‘How do you say goodbye to something that’s become part of who you are?’”
The answer, he found, was with love.
“It was emotional, of course,” Jimmy admitted. “But there was peace, too. We were leaving with dignity, still as close as brothers, and still giving our very best.”
Though the end of The Statler Brothers could have marked a full stop for Jimmy Fortune’s story, instead it sparked a powerful new beginning. With the humility and heart that won millions of fans, Jimmy embarked on a solo journey defined by faith and resilience.
He began writing and recording intensely personal and profound music, inspired by his life’s journey, his faith, and the legacy of harmony he helped craft. Albums like Windows and God & Country struck a new chord with audiences, delivering intimate, raw, and soul-stirring experiences.
“I think sometimes God closes one door to open another,” Jimmy said. “And I’ve been truly blessed to walk through that second door with open arms.”
Now, as he reflects on life at 70, Jimmy doesn’t mourn the end of The Statler Brothers—he celebrates it.
“We gave the world something beautiful,” he said with pride. “And now, I get to carry that spirit forward in a new way.”
Fans continue to cherish the unique blend of voices that made The Statler Brothers iconic. Yet, they also recognize that Jimmy Fortune’s voice, both literal and spiritual, still resonates with powerful purpose and grace.
“I still sing the old songs,” Jimmy said. “But I also sing new ones—about faith, about family, about the journey I’ve walked. Every note is a thank you.”
It’s a goodbye that became a new beginning. For Jimmy Fortune and for the fans who still follow every word, this journey is far from over.
