A beloved country music duo is calling it quits.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Country music duo The Shires is stepping away from the spotlight after 13 years together. They recently revealed that an upcoming tour will be their last for the foreseeable future.
The British group, consisting of Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes, announced Friday, Oct. 23, that it would be taking an indefinite break following its November concert dates. The decision comes as Rhodes, who has two young daughters, hopes to spend more time with her family after more than a decade of recording and touring.
In an emotional video shared on social media, Rhodes acknowledged that stepping away from the successful partnership wasn't easy.
"After a busy 13 years together and six albums worth of stories shared on stage all across the world, we're going to be taking time away from The Shires,"the post on the group's Instagram page read."With two young daughters at home, Crissie will be taking a well-deserved break to focus on family life and spend more time with her quickly growing girls. It's a bittersweet decision, one that Ben completely understands and supports as a parent himself."
Country Duo Call It Quits
Rhodes explained that The Shires had dominated nearly every aspect of her life since the duo formed in 2013.
During that time, the musicians released six albums, performed internationally and helped establish British country music as a commercially successful genre. However, the demands of life on the road eventually prompted Rhodes to reconsider her priorities.
"We'll both be cheering each other on for whatever our next chapters hold and who knows, maybe one day we'll be making music and touring again," the statement continued. "But for now, this will be our final tour as The Shires for the foreseeable future. WE can't wait to sing, dance and make some beautiful memories together on this tour, as we celebrate the amazing journey we've all been on together. Thank you for all the love you've given us, we'll hold onto it forever."
Earle, who is also a parent, expressed his full support for his bandmate's decision. He also made it clear that their professional separation wasn't the result of a disagreement.
"We haven't fallen out. We're still friends," he reassured fans. "Who know, one day we might come back and make some music together."
