Lee Greenwood is hanging it up.
While he’s best known for everybody’s favorite 4th of July song, “God Bless The USA,” Lee also has an impressive seven #1 country hits across his long career, with songs like “Somebody’s Gonna Love You,” “Going, Going, Gone” and “Don’t Underestimate My Love For You.”
And he’s also won a Grammy Award for Song of the Year for “I.O.U” back in 1984, along with an ACM Award for Top Male Vocalist and CMA Awards for Male Vocalist of the Year and Song of the Year.
But now, Greenwood says he’s ready to step away and spend more time with his family.
The 81-year old singer announced during an appearance on The Brilyn Hollyhand Show podcast that 2024 would be his final tour.
According to Greenwood, his age and health played a factor in his decision to step away:
“I just turned 81. This is a factor. I’ve had some surgeries. I have titanium knees, I have a titanium cage in my back with 10 screws…
I just I don’t think I can do this much longer with the two boys in college.”
Greenwood has been married to his wife, former Miss Tennessee USA Kimberly Payne, for 31 years, and the couple have two children. But he noted that throughout their entire relationship, he’s never been able to give his family his “total time.”
“It’s only fair, I think, that I back away at this point and have no distractions but her and I and give these last few years that I will live to her and my two sons.”
The country star has yet to decide when and where his final show will be held, but if you want to hear him perform “God Bless the USA” in person, sounds like 2024 may be your last chance.
