George Strait Announces Retirement From Touring

Well, it's not like it wasn't expected. George Strait will launch his final big tour January 18, 2013 in Lubbock, TX with special guest Martina McBride.

The Cowboy Rides Away tour will run into 2014, but this doesn't mean George is retiring, says abcprep.com. He still plans to record new music and play select shows once the tour is finished.

George made the big announcement Wednesday at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville. He says, "This is going to be a very special, emotional tour for me. Everywhere we’re going holds fond memories and I’m looking forward to paying my respects.”  

The first 20 dates have been announced and more shows will be added. The initial dates include an April 17 show at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo featuring opening act Randy Rogers Band and Martina.

Here's the itinerary:

1/18 -- Lubbock, TX, United Spirit Arena
1/19 -- Oklahoma City, OK, Chesapeake Energy Arena
1/25 -- Salt Lake City, UT, Energy Solutions Arena
1/26 -- Nampa, ID, Idaho Center
1/31 -- Sacramento, CA, Power Balance Pavilion
2/1 -- Fresno, CA, SaveMart Center
2/2 -- Las Vegas, NV, MGM Grand Garden Arena
2/15 -- St. Paul, MN, Xcel Energy Center
2/16 -- Grand Forks, ND, The Alerus Center
2/22 -- Buffalo, NY, First Niagara Center
2/23 -- Hartford, CT, XL Center
3/1 -- Knoxville, TN, Thompson-Boling Arena
3/2 -- Lexington, KY, Rupp Arena
3/17 -- Houston, TX, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
3/22 -- Greenville, SC, Bi-Lo Center
3/23 -- Greensboro, NC, Greensboro Coliseum Complex
4/5 -- Albuquerque, NM, The Pit
4/6 -- Las Cruces, NM, Pan American Center
4/12 -- N. Little Rock, AR, Verizon Arena
4/13 -- New Orleans, LA, New Orleans Arena