Country Legends Announce 2026 “One Last Ride” Farewell Tour — A Historic Celebration of Legacy and Love
NASHVILLE — In a revelation that has electrified the country music world, six of the genre’s most beloved names — Dolly Parton, George Strait, Alan Jackson, Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, and Blake Shelton — will join forces for what is being hailed as one of the most historic tours in music history. Titled One Last Ride, the 2026 farewell tour promises to unite generations of fans while paying tribute to the songs, voices, and spirit that defined an era.
Promoters describe the tour as more than a concert series — it is a “once-in-a-lifetime journey,” a symbolic passing of the torch from the legends who built country music’s golden era to the artists who will carry its future forward. With stops planned in major arenas and stadiums across North America, the shows will bring together icons whose combined careers span more than two centuries of music.
At the heart of the lineup is Dolly Parton, 80, whose six-decade career has made her a household name far beyond Nashville. Joining her is George Strait, “The King of Country,” who has scored more No. 1 hits than any other artist in the genre’s history. Alan Jackson, another Hall of Famer, adds his voice of tradition and storytelling, while Carrie Underwood brings powerhouse energy as one of country’s most successful modern stars. Reba McEntire, long revered as one of the genre’s most versatile performers, and Blake Shelton, whose crossover appeal has bridged television and music, round out the historic ensemble.
“This tour is a celebration of legacy, of everything we’ve built together,” Parton said in a statement. “It’s about the fans who stood by us through the years, and the music that will live on long after we take our final bow.”
Reba McEntire echoed the sentiment, noting the emotional weight of the tour. “We’re not just singing songs. We’re telling the story of country music — past, present, and future. To be able to do that alongside friends I’ve admired for decades is a dream come true.”
Industry insiders suggest the collaboration could be one of the biggest grossing country tours of all time, rivaling the legendary Highwaymen tours of the late 1980s. But unlike those tours, which highlighted outlaw grit, One Last Ride is expected to lean heavily into themes of gratitude, reflection, and celebration. Fans can anticipate collaborative performances of classics such as Parton’s “Jolene”, Strait’s “Amarillo by Morning”, Jackson’s “Remember When”, and McEntire’s “Fancy”, alongside duets, medleys, and new interpretations designed exclusively for the farewell run.
The inclusion of younger stars like Underwood and Shelton highlights the symbolic bridge between eras. Underwood, who has long credited Parton and McEntire as role models, said she views the opportunity as both a responsibility and an honor. “These are the artists who shaped me. Sharing a stage with them feels like stepping into history — and carrying that history forward.”
While exact tour dates and locations are expected to be announced in early 2025, anticipation is already mounting online. Social media lit up within minutes of the announcement, with fans describing it as “the Super Bowl of country music” and “a tour that will echo across generations.”
For Alan Jackson, who continues to perform despite health challenges related to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, the tour represents resilience as much as farewell. “I’ve spent my life singing songs about real people and real struggles,” he said. “This tour is about thanking the fans who’ve been there through it all.”
As the countdown to 2026 begins, One Last Ride stands as more than a farewell. It is a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of country music, reminding audiences that while legends may take their final bow, the stories they told — of love, faith, struggle, and joy — will continue to resonate for generations.