It's hard to believe that John Michael Montgomery hung up his cowboy hat and played his final show last year.
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The "I Swear" singer called it quits after three decades on Dec. 12, 2025, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. It was a full-circle moment for the singer. His musical journey began with him and his brother playing in the city's clubs.
But with other country singers playing well into their 70s and 80s, what prompted Montgomery to retire? We have the answers below.
It Took a Pandemic To Get John Michael Montgomery To Consider Retirement
The 61-year-old said he began thinking about retirement during the pandemic. It was during this time that many musicians were forced to take a break. He came to a realization about himself at the end of 2020.
"I noticed my body and my voice — everything — felt so good from being rested and not traveling," he said, per Penn Live. "I didn't realize how hard traveling on the road was getting to me."
Then tragedy struck the following year. Montgomery was involved in a bus crash. He had four broken ribs.
"It's the same with any athlete, pro athlete, who's been playing sports for years," the singer said. "They finally look in the mirror and realize it's a young man's game, and I'm not a young man anymore."
Montgomery Then Shared the News With His Family
Montgomery was 58 when he told his family he would stop touring.
He said, "I couldn't have made a better story. From 50 years old to 60 went really fast. I know that 60 to 70 years old — good Lord willing, I make it to 70 — it's going to go faster. I want to try to enjoy it. I don't want my memories to be riding in a bus, living out of a bunk or hotel room. I want them to be more about seeing my family grow."
However, this doesn't necessarily mean that we won't see Montgomery on stage again. While touring is off the table, he is open to performing.
"I grew up on the stage," he said. "My favorite part of it all — above having hit records and all that stuff — is walking out on stage to entertain people. From the time I was a kid at 6 years old, I've loved that, and I still love it just as much today."
