Strait announces farewell concert tour

NASHVILLE, Sept. 26 (UPI) -- Country music icon George Strait has announced plans for a series of farewell concerts to kick off in Texas in January and run through 2014.

Strait, 60, told reporters Wednesday at Nashville's Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum he intends to continue recording, but his Cowboy Rides Away Tour will be his last, People.com said.

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

People.com said Martina McBride is to open for Strait on the tour, which will start Jan. 18 in Lubbock.