For some country stars, retirement just isn't an option. Several of the biggest hitmakers within the genre maintain a robust touring schedule, in spite of their advanced years. We picked four of the oldest country stars who are still touring today.
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1. Willie Nelson
Any list about country stars who refuse to let age slow them down needs to include Willie Nelson. Now 92 years old, Nelson is still touring, with more dates on his calendar than artists half his age. In fact, Nelson is heading several shows as part of Outlaw Fest, along with Bob Dylan, with numerous back-to-back shows through December.
"I quit every night," Nelson tells CBS News (via American Songwriter). After every tour, I say this is it. And then I get the urge again to go back."
2. The Oak Ridge Boys
You know a group is devoted when three of the four members are in their 80s, but that is exactly the case with The Oak Ridge Boys. The quartet, which also includes 29-year-old Ben James, are on their ongoing American Made: Farewell Tour. The tour was originally slated to accommodate Joe Bonsall's declining health. But after Bonsall retired from the road at the end of 2023, passing away on July 9, 2024, from ALS, the group decided to keep going, with James in Bonsall's place.
"We will go until we can't, and I think we all came here enjoying The Oak Ridge Boys," Golden tells CCM Magazine.
3. Alabama
Not far behind the Oak Ridge Boys is Alabama. The group is now made up of 75-year-old Randy Owen and 73-year-old Teddy Gentry. The third member of Alabama, Jeff Cook, was 73 years old when he passed away in 2022, from Parkinson's disease.
With more than 45 years of success in country music, Alabama could certainly ride off into the proverbial sunset. Fortunately, that just isn't their style.
"There's nothing I look forward to any more than performing the songs our great fans have made hits and some surprises along the way," Owen says of their current Live in Concert 25 Tour. "Every show I count as one more beautiful blessing! Much love to you, our fans! Looking forward to seeing all of you on the tour!"
4. Dolly Parton
Okay, Dolly Parton technically isn't touring right now, but that's not because of her choosing to slow down, which is why we are including her on this list. The 79-year-old is doing the complete opposite of slowing down, in fact. Parton's list of business ventures is enough to make anyone's head spin.
Among her current endeavors are her Dolly: An Original Musical, her Songteller Hotel, her Dolly Wines, her make-up and perfume brand, her Doggy Parton line, her line of baking mixes and frozen foods -- and much more. If anyone deserves a nod for working hard in their twilight years, it's Parton. Oh, and she still performs when she can.
