In what is being called the most poignant and monumental farewell in country music history, a truly shocking announcement has sent waves of emotion through the heartland. Jimmy Fortune, the man whose voice defined the golden era of The Statler Brothers, has confirmed he will take the stage for the 2026 “One Last Ride” Tour. This isn’t just another tour; it is destined to be a final, tearful goodbye, a gathering of the titans who created the very soundtrack of rural America.
For decades, Fortune’s pure, soaring vocals have been a beacon of comfort and nostalgia. From the haunting plea in More Than a Name on a Wall to the sweet promise of Elizabeth, his voice has possessed the rare magic to bring both smiles and tears, often in the same verse. He is one of country music’s most cherished voices, a storyteller whose melodies have been woven into the fabric of life for millions. Now, in a move that feels both triumphant and tragic, he joins a lineup of legendary peers to close this historic chapter forever.
The “One Last Ride” Tour is already being whispered about as more than a concert series; it is a living archive of our times. The tour promises once-in-a-lifetime collaborations, with giants of the genre like Alan Jackson and George Strait sharing the stage, their voices blending on the songs that became the national anthems of small-town life. These are the songs of love lost and found, of unwavering faith, and of the simple truths that have guided generations.
Speaking with a voice thick with emotion from his home in Virginia, Jimmy shared a message directly with the fans who made it all possible:
“I’ve been blessed to sing with some of the finest people to ever step on a stage. This tour is about more than music — it’s about family, faith, and the people who’ve been with us through every note. I can’t wait to share this with them.”
Starting in Austin, Texas, in April 2026 and traveling through more than 20 cities before its grand, final curtain call in Nashville, Tennessee, this tour is poised to be a series of emotional homecomings. For the lifelong followers, this is not a ticket to a show—it is a sacred pilgrimage. It represents one last chance to stand in the presence of the artists who were there for their weddings, funerals, Sunday drives, and quiet summer nights on the porch. It is an opportunity to hear the stories and the songs, one final time, from the masters themselves.
