Kenny Rogers Announces Retirement

“You got to know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em” has never been a truer statement for Kenny Rogers than it is right now. The country music icon is ready to step away from his career and retire to spend more time with his family.

Rogers first announced his plans to retire on the TODAY Show, where he revealed that he’s planning a farewell tour and will spend more time at home to help raise his 11-year-old twins, Justin and Jordan. “I really want to be there with my kids,” Rogers explained on the show. They’re very important to me, and I don’t see enough of them.”

Shortly after his appearance on the morning show, Rogers took to Facebook and shared a touching video with fans…

You may have heard this morning on the TODAY Show that I am going to retire. I’m starting what everyone calls a farewell tour. I’ve had an incredible career, more than I ever dreamed. Thanks to you guys for supporting me all these years. I wanted you to hear it from me. You know, not many people get to see the end of the rainbow, and I think I’ve had the beauty of this career and the beauty of getting to know you guy daily, out on the road. And watching your kids grow up with me during our Christmas tour every year. And as hard as it is to leave, I will tell you this… younger and earlier in my career, and in my book, I wrote ‘There’s a fine line between being selfish and being driven. I think I crossed that line a lot when I was younger and I didn’t get a chance to spend a lot of time with my older boys and I regret that now. And I’ve decided that my goal now is to stay home and help Wanda raise Justin and Jordan and be as much of an influence on them as my mother and father were on me, cause that’s what parents are for. And I wanted you to hear it from me. I love all of you. I love the way you’ve treated me. You’ve always been respectful and I will miss you dearly, but I must go be with my boys. Goodbye.

Watch Rogers’ moving announcement video below…