At the age of 70, country and gospel music legend Jimmy Fortune has opened his heart to share one of the most emotional days of his life—the day The Statler Brothers took their final bow. This was a moment that fans across the country music world had long feared, a day that left more than a few eyes brimming with tears.
In a deeply heartfelt and reflective interview, Jimmy looked back on that poignant day—not with bitterness or regret, but with a profound mixture of gratitude, sorrow, and hope. “It wasn’t just the end of a group,” he explained softly. “It was the closing of a chapter that changed my life.”
For more than two decades, Jimmy Fortune served as the youngest member of The Statler Brothers, stepping into the spotlight after Lew DeWitt’s departure in 1982. With his soaring tenor voice and soulful songwriting, Jimmy quickly became an irreplaceable part of the iconic group’s legendary sound. But in 2002, after years filled with touring, recording, and redefining harmony in country music, the group made the difficult decision to retire.
The memory of their final show remains vivid in Jimmy’s mind, as if it happened just yesterday. “I looked out at the crowd, and I saw faces that had been with us for decades—people who grew up with our songs, who made memories attached to every verse,” Jimmy reminisced. “And I thought, ‘How do you say goodbye to something that’s become part of who you are?’”
The answer, it seems, was with love and a heart full of emotion. “It was emotional, of course,” Jimmy admitted. “But there was peace too. We were going out with dignity, still close as brothers, and still able to give our best.”
Though the end of The Statler Brothers might have seemed like the closing of a musical chapter, it instead sparked a new beginning for Jimmy. With the same humility and heart that made him beloved by millions, he embarked on a solo journey marked by faith, resilience, and a voice that only grew deeper and more compelling with time.
He began to write and record deeply personal songs, often inspired by his life experiences, spiritual journey, and the legacy of harmony he helped to create. Albums such as Windows and God & Country connected with audiences on an intimate level—songs that felt stripped-down, raw, and soul-stirring.
“I think sometimes God closes one door to open another,” Jimmy reflected. “And I’ve been blessed to walk through that second door with open arms.”
Now, at 70, Jimmy does not mourn the ending of The Statler Brothers—he celebrates the extraordinary gift they gave. “We gave the world something beautiful,” he said proudly. “And now, I get to carry that spirit forward in a new way.”
Fans still fondly remember the blend of voices that made The Statler Brothers iconic, but they also recognize that Jimmy Fortune’s voice—both literal and spiritual—is continuing to echo with purpose and grace.
“I still sing the old songs,” Jimmy acknowledged. “But I sing new ones too—about faith, about family, about the road I’ve walked. And every note is a thank you.”
What once felt like a farewell instead became a new beginning. For Jimmy Fortune, and for the devoted fans who cherish every word he sings, this remarkable journey is far from over.
