The 81-year-old rockability singer-songwriter, Wanda Jackson, has formally announced that she will be retiring from touring due to health and safety reasons. She posted an official statement to her Facebook page saying, “This retirement is solely based on health and safety. It has been a wild ride. Thank you all for all the years of continued fandom and support. This is not the end, just the beginning of a new chapter.”
Jackson has been in the music industry since 1955 and has since given life to memorable hits such as “Tears Will Be the Chaser for Your Wine”, “A Woman Lives for Love” and “Fancy Satin Pillows”. She was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the category of “Early Influence” in 2009.
Read up on the full statement below:
“After over 60 years of touring, Wanda Jackson wishes to announce her retirement from performing. This retirement is solely based on health and safety. It has been a wild ride. Thank you all for all the years of continued fandom and support. This is not the end, just the beginning of a new chapter. Join us as we congratulate the Queen of Rockabilly on over six decades of rip-roaring live performances, priceless stories and countless shimmies.
All of this being said, Wanda will not be making appearances at either Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend nor the Nashville Boogie Vintage Weekender. In true rockabilly spirit, please still go out to these shows and keep the spirit of rockabilly alive.”
The rockability songstress has been performing live since she was just 16 years old, so we’re not shocked that she’s officially retiring from the live performances! Despite the reasons of ‘health and safety’ reasons, no one appears to be speculating what Jackson’s management meant by that in the statement.
Instead, many diehard, long-time fans have been sharing their congratulations on her retirement and also sharing their personal memories they have with the singer over the decades.
One Facebook user said, “Wanda, thank you for so many years of great music and truly stellar performances. You are a bright light, an inspiration to many, and a real groundbreaker. I loved seeing you rocking out to Joan Jett’s set at Ascend in Nashville. Thanks for always being true to yourself.”
Another Facebook user shared a photo of himself with the singer, adding his beloved memory with her, “My 27th birthday. Wanda sang happy birthday to me. Went to highschool with my grandma, who is actually behind me in the pic. Wanda is the best. Happy retirement!”
We certainly wish Jackson the utmost happiness, best health, and a relaxing retirement. Well-deserved!
Be sure to SHARE this article if you’re sad to see Wanda Jackson retire from touring! We’ll miss her!