NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Country music is preparing for one of its most historic and emotional chapters. Six of the genre’s most celebrated stars — Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, George Strait, Willie Nelson, and Blake Shelton — have officially announced the launch of the “One Last Ride” tour in 2026, a once-in-a-lifetime event billed as a farewell to the golden age of country music.
More than just a tour, One Last Ride is being framed as a tribute to legacy, a celebration of timeless songs, and a collective goodbye from the voices that shaped generations. For fans across the world, it is a chance to witness something many thought they would never see again: country’s greatest icons sharing one stage.
“This isn’t just about us,” Dolly Parton, who will turn 80 when the tour begins, said in a statement. “It’s about the music, the fans, and the memories we’ve all made together. Country music has given me a life I could never have dreamed of, and One Last Ride is my way of saying thank you.”
The tour is scheduled to begin in January 2026 in Nashville, with dates across the United States, including stops in Dallas, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. Organizers have hinted at potential international performances, though no overseas dates have yet been confirmed.
The lineup brings together artists whose combined careers span more than two centuries. George Strait, the “King of Country,” and Alan Jackson, with his traditional honky-tonk style, anchor the tour with the enduring sound of Nashville’s roots. Willie Nelson, at 93, brings an especially poignant presence, his weathered voice and outlaw spirit reminding fans of a movement that redefined the genre.
Meanwhile, Reba McEntire, celebrated as one of country’s greatest female vocalists, offers her powerhouse voice and indomitable energy. Blake Shelton, a star of a younger generation but one whose career is steeped in respect for country traditions, joins the lineup as a bridge between eras, ensuring that One Last Ride resonates not just with longtime fans but with newer audiences as well.
“This is history in the making,” Reba said. “We’ve all toured on our own, but to come together like this — it’s like a family reunion for country music.”
For Alan Jackson, who has faced health challenges in recent years, the tour carries added significance. His wife Denise has spoken openly about his resilience, and fans are viewing his involvement as a testament to his enduring dedication.
Industry insiders predict that One Last Ride will be one of the most in-demand tours in country music history. Tickets are expected to sell out rapidly once released, and the event is already being compared to Garth Brooks’ record-breaking runs and The Highwaymen’s legendary collaborations.
More than the spectacle of six household names on stage, however, the tour is about legacy. Fans can expect a blend of greatest hits, surprise duets, and tributes to the late icons who paved the way, from Johnny Cash and Loretta Lynn to Merle Haggard and Conway Twitty.
“Country music tells America’s story — the good, the hard, and the hopeful,” Blake Shelton said. “To be part of this lineup is the honor of my life. I grew up listening to every one of these artists. To now share a stage with them is beyond anything I ever imagined.”
For many, One Last Ride represents the closing of an era that may never return. As one fan wrote online: “These are the voices that got us through heartbreak, raised us up in celebration, and kept us company on quiet nights. Seeing them together is not just a concert — it’s a dream come true.”
As anticipation builds, one thing is clear: One Last Ride is not only a farewell tour but a cultural milestone — a reminder that while eras end, the songs and stories of country music’s greatest legends will echo forever.