Alan Jackson might be retiring from touring, but he’s still making music. The 67-year-old announces the release of “Still The One,” out on Thursday, June 25. The song, a cover of Orleans’ 1976 single, comes two days before Jackson’s Last Call: One More For the Road final concert.
“50 years ago, in 1976, in my hometown of Newman, Georgia, I started dating this young girl,” Jackson explains. “She was a cheerleader in high school. And one day, she went over to a friend’s house, her girlfriend’s house, and I went over and hung out a while. She was practicing a dance routine for the cheerleading squad, for the football game, to a hit song. It was a big hit that summer, called ‘Still The One,’ I think by a group called Orleans. Anyway, I sat there and watched her.
“A few years later, I ended up marrying that young girl, and she’s my wife today, Denise,” the 67-year-old continues. “So, in honor of 50 years ago, this has always been one of our fond memories of starting out days. Every time we hear that song, every now and then, it brings back those memories. So in honor of 50 years this year, I went in the studio and recorded that pop song with a little country seasoning, and I gave it to her for her birthday, because she’s still the one.”
Jackson and Denise have been married since 1979.
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All About Alan Jackson’s Last Call: One More For the Road Final Show
Numerous artists will be performing for Jackson’s Last Call: One More For the Road final show. Among those scheduled to perform are George Strait, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Jon Pardi, and Lee Ann Womack, among others.
Jackson is retiring from touring due to an ongoing battle with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, a neurological disorder that affects his mobility.
“I’ve been touring for over 30 years, played everywhere, in countries and parts of the world,” Jackson previously said. “I’ve had a wonderful, wonderful career, and I’m getting into my twilight years … I enjoy spending more time at home, and don’t want to be away like I had been in my younger days. And I don’t tour as much now as I did of course ten years ago, but I think it’s getting time to start thinking about hanging it up full-time.”
What Alan Jackson Says About Retiring
Coming off of the road is bittersweet for Jackson, who has spent more than 35 years as part of country music. When wrapping up his Last Call: One More For The Road Tour in May, Jackson said then that he would play one last show.
“It’s been a long, sweet ride. … My wife and I drove to Nashville with an old U-Haul trailer, and chased this dream,” Jackson said at the time. “It’s been a crazy ride. I’ve lived the American dream for sure, and I’m so blessed. Thank y’all so much for all your support of my music and coming to shows. It’s amazing how time and all that stuff works in your life. It all comes down to just one little three-minute song.”
Jackson’s Last Call: One More For the Road show is sold out. The show will air on NBC later this year.