In an interview with the AARP Bulletin Keillor names his planned retirement date. When asked if he plans to “scale back,” Keillor responded:

“I am planning to retire in the spring of 2013, but first I have to find my replacement. I’m pushing forward, and also I’m in denial. It’s an interesting time of life.”

A flurry of chatter and dismay erupted in mid-January when it was announced that Keillor would step aside as host for the Jan. 15 performance at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, instead appearing as a guest.

Speculation immediately began that this was a precursor to retirement for Keillor, who has hosted the show since he created it in the 1970s.

I’ll be working on a more in-depth story for tonight – stay tuned.