George Strait Announces Retirement Tour – 10 Biggest News Stories of 2012

In September, George Strait shocked the country music world by saying he'd tour two more times... and that's it. His days as a road warrior are finished after the Cowboy Rides Away Tour wraps up in 2014, however he insisted he is not retiring. Strait will continue to make new music; a new album seems to be scheduled for 2013.

"I kinda always had it in the back of my mind, when I turned 60 it might be the time to start thinking about it. I didn’t want to show up sometime for a tour and nobody came,” Strait said at a press conference. “It was kind of important to me to pick that time … I believe I made the right decision. I hope I did. Only time will tell.”

Immediately after making the big announcement, Strait revealed his 2013 touring plans, with 21 shows scheduled between January and June.