In a devastating announcement that has sent shockwaves through the country and gospel music communities, legendary tenor Jimmy Fortune has confirmed the end of his touring career. With words that carried the nostalgia of a lifetime, he unveiled his “One Last Ride” 2026 Tour, a final, poignant farewell to the road that has been his home for more than four decades. “One last time, I will sing for the friends who became family…” Fortune stated, his voice trembling with emotion, signaling the final curtain call for one of music’s most beloved performers.
This is more than just a series of concerts; it is a heartbreaking farewell steeped in memory, faith, and the harmonies that defined a generation. For those who grew up with his music, the news is a gut punch. Fortune, who joined the iconic group The Statler Brothers in 1982, became an irreplaceable part of their sound, his pure and soaring tenor gracing some of their most unforgettable hits. His gift for songwriting, simple yet profoundly sincere, captured the hearts of millions and cemented his place in music history. He was with the group until their emotional retirement in 2002, a moment many fans thought they would never have to relive.
Now, twenty-four years later, Fortune is preparing to say his own goodbye. He has chosen to close this chapter just as it began: with the timeless ballad that launched his legendary career, “Elizabeth.” Written in 1984, the song became his signature, a testament to his soulful voice and storytelling prowess. In 2026, it will echo in theaters one last time, not merely as a song, but as a living, breathing memory of a remarkable journey. The weight of this finality is palpable among his devoted fanbase.
“This tour is about gratitude,” Fortune revealed, his words offering a small comfort to his saddened followers. “Every mile, every stage, every handshake after the show — those aren’t just moments, they’re blessings. I’ve met people who started as fans and became lifelong friends. That’s why this is for them.” The “One Last Ride” tour promises to be an intimate and powerful experience, weaving together the cherished Statler Brothers classics, his acclaimed solo work, and the gospel hymns that have been the bedrock of his faith and career. Each stop, from the smallest town theater to the grandest stage, will be a deeply personal celebration of the sacred bond between a legendary artist and his adoring audience.
While this marks the end of his life on the road, Fortune has assured fans that his music will not fall silent. The grueling demands of touring are ending, but his passion for writing and performing will endure in other forms. “The road has been my life for a long time,” he admitted, “but home has always been my heart.” When that final note of “Elizabeth” rings out on the last night of the tour, it will signify the closing of a magnificent circle, a journey that began with one man and a song that touched the world. For the friends who became family, it will be a night etched in their hearts forever.
