Country music icon Lee Greenwood has officially declared his retirement from the music industry after an impressive career spanning over four decades. The Grammy award-winning artist, best known for his iconic song "God Bless the U.S.A.," confirmed his decision during a podcast interview with Brilyn Hollyhand, a co-chair of the Republican National Committee's youth advisory council.

During the interview, which took place ahead of his concert in Montgomery, Alabama on November 9, Greenwood confirmed his retirement plans for the end of his 2024 tour. When questioned about retirement rumors, Greenwood responded, "It's not just a rumor. It will be my last year to tour."

Unlike other artists who have announced retirements only to come back later, Greenwood reassured fans that his final performances would truly mark the end of his touring career. The 81-year-old artist cited his desire to spend more time with his family and certain health complications as the driving factors behind his retirement decision.

"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 don't think I can do this much longer with the two boys in college," Greenwood explained, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing time with his loved ones.

Greenwood shared his intention to devote his remaining years to his wife, Kimberly Payne, whom he has been married to for 31 years, and their two sons. Expressing his gratitude to his loyal fans, Greenwood said, "I'm so grateful for the years that they come to my shows continually... Here I am at the end of my career, and they still come, and they still hear me sing the same 40 songs that I've sung for 40 years," he added with a laugh.

The esteemed artist, listed as one of the top 100 artists of all time by Billboard Magazine, rose to prominence in the 1980s with his hit single "It Turns Me Inside Out," which reached No. 17 on the country music charts. His subsequent releases, including "Ring on Her Finger, Time on Her Hand," "IOU," and "She's Lying," all achieved Top 10 status.

In 1983, Greenwood accomplished his first No. 1 hit with "Somebody's Gonna Love You." However, it was his patriotic anthem, "God Bless the U.S.A.," released in 1984, that solidified his status as a household name. The song aimed to unite Americans and instill pride in the nation. It was even featured in a film about former President Ronald Reagan, screened at the Republican National Convention that same year.

Notably, Greenwood's work garnered support from prominent politicians in recent years. His song "God Bless the U.S.A." became an integral part of former President Donald Trump's campaign rallies, and it was frequently played at White House events during Trump's tenure. In 2019, Greenwood was appointed by Trump to serve on the board of trustees at the Kennedy Center.

Despite his accomplishments, Greenwood experienced a change in status under President Biden's administration. Prompted by an email notification, he learned that he had been replaced on the National Council on the Arts, a position he had held since 2008. Expressing his surprise during a September 2021 appearance on "Fox and Friends," Greenwood stressed that his song was meant for all people and not just a particular political party.

As Lee Greenwood prepares to bid farewell to the stage, his retirement serves as a reminder of a storied career dedicated to creating timeless music that resonated with audiences across the nation. Fans will have until the conclusion of his 2024 tour to experience the magic of Greenwood's live performances before he embarks on a well-deserved chapter of relaxation and quality time with his loved ones.