Country Music Legend George Strait Makes Farewell-Tour Announcement

George Strait's newly announced Cowboy Rides Away Tour seemingly says it all. But is the cowboy riding away on a one-way street?

According to People.com Wednesday, the country music legend announced at Nashville's County Music Hall of Fame and Museum that the trek starting Jan. 18, 2013 in Lubbock, Texas and stretching into 2014 will be his final tour.

After 30 years on the road as a performer, Strait clarified that while he's ready to shift his gears into "Park," he won't stop recording.

Though other acts will be featured throughout the tour, Martina McBride will open for Strait in Lubbock to kick off his victory lap.

"This is going to be a very special, emotional tour for me," Strait said via statement. "Everywhere we're going holds fond memories and I'm looking forward to paying my respects."

It all started in 1981 with "Unwound," his first number-one single. During the 1980s alone, the Texas country traditionalist notched seven number-one albums. By the '90s, he'd charted around 20 number-one singles including "Heartland" - the lead single from the acclaimed soundtrack to his starring film debut "Pure Country" - and "Blue Clear Sky."

By the close of the 2000s, he'd been elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame named Artist of the Decade by the Academy of Country Music Awards. His album Troubadour had also won him his first Grammy.

His 68.5 million albums sold include 13 multi-platinum, 33 platinum and 38 gold releases. The "Pure Country" soundtrack is his best-selling album to date, certified six-times platinum by the RIAA.