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John Michael Montgomery<\/a> is going out in style \u2014 by bringing it all back home.<\/p>\n The country legend just announced his final show, scheduled for Dec. 12 at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky.<\/p>\n That’s where it all began for him.<\/p>\n \u201cI stepped on a tour bus for the first time in 1992 and haven\u2019t looked back since,\u201d the I Swear singer says in a press release.<\/p>\n Montgomery\u00a0continues, \u201cBut now it\u2019s time to bring it all back home for my last concert \u2014 and I can\u2019t think of a better place than Rupp Arena.\u201d<\/p>\n This farewell won\u2019t be a solo show. The “I Swear” hitmaker is calling in reinforcements:\u00a0His brother Eddie Montgomery<\/a> (of Montgomery Gentry), his son Walker Montgomery<\/a>\u00a0and his son-in-law,\u00a0Travis Denning<\/a>, will all join him onstage.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re going to have a lot of fun and end this ride in a big way,\u201d\u00a0Montgomery adds.<\/p>\n John Michael Montgomery\u00a0kicked off his solo career<\/a> in 1992 and never looked back.<\/p>\n Over three decades, he became one of the defining voices of \u201990s country, blending heartfelt ballads with full-throttle charm.<\/p>\n His signature hits<\/a> include \u201cI Love the Way You Love Me,\u201d \u201cI Can Love You Like That,\u201d \u201cBe My Baby Tonight\u201d and \u201cLife\u2019s a Dance.\u201d<\/p>\n John Michael Montgomery announced plans to retire from touring in early 2024, with the goal of winding down across 2024 and 2025.<\/p>\n His son, Walker \u2014 a rising artist in his own right \u2014 spoke with Taste of Country<\/a> last year about his father\u2019s retirement and legacy.<\/p>\n \u201cI think he deserves it. It\u2019s been 30 years,\u201d Walker said. \u201cPeople don\u2019t realize how tough the road is, especially back in the \u201990s.\u201d<\/p>\n Read More:<\/strong> <\/em>17 Country Songs About American Soldiers<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n He laughed, recalling the touring grind his dad used to describe: \u201cAs he says, they\u2019d bring a gallon of whiskey on the road with them and it would be gone by Sunday. It was a totally different kind of touring. It was tough on him.\u201d<\/p>\n There may be some emotions on Dec. 12, but\u00a0the younger Montgomery knows his dad\u2019s music will live on long after the final encore.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s going to be around forever<\/a> \u2014 even if he\u2019s not out there on a bus anymore,\u201d Walker added.<\/p>\n Every road has to come to an end, and 2024 saw a few country stars saying goodbye to their fans. Read on to see which country singers retired in 2024 … and which ones decided to extend their time in the spotlight.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Gallery Credit: Sterling Whitaker<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nThe Soundtrack to Three Decades of Country<\/h3>\n
Chart-Topping Moments From a Storied Career:<\/h3>\n
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How to Grab Tickets to John Michael Montgomery’s Final Show<\/h3>\n
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A Father\u2019s Legacy<\/h3>\n
Country Stars Who Retired in 2024 … and More Who Came Back<\/h2>\n