Earlier this week, 83-year-old Jim Nabors announced that he will retire from singing “Back Home Again in Indiana” after this year’s Indianapolis 500, citing health reasons. He has been a part of pre-race tradition since the 1972 race when he first performed it. Nabors has been accompanied by the Purdue All-American marching band in his thirty-four live performances of the song. The only two races he missed live, in 2007 and 2012, were due to health problems. He remedied the situation in 2012 by having a pre-recorded video played at the track before the race, much to the excitement of those at the track and at home.

Nabors told Indianapolis Motor Speedway, “The first time that I ever sang at the Indy 500 in 1972, the warmth I got from the crowd immediately made me become a lifetime Hoosier; and I’ve always cherished it. I’ll see you all in May; but I’ve come to the conclusion that my health doesn’t permit me to travel very much anymore. So I’ll be retiring from singing ‘Back Home Again’ at the Indy 500 after this year. I want to give a special thanks to everyone; and particularly the Hulman George family, who have a special place in my heart and are my wonderful friends. I’ve loved every minute of it.”

J. Douglas Boles, president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, stated, “There are many special moments leading up to the start of the Indianapolis 500, but one of the most anticipated every year is when Jim Nabors sings ‘Back Home Again in Indiana.’ This year will be even more special as Indianapolis 500 fans will cheer not only for what the song means but for what Jim Nabors has meant to the Indianapolis 500.”

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway will announce several ways to honor and thank Nabors during the Indianapolis 500 for his many years of singing at a later date. They will not announce a future plan for the performance of “Back Home Again in Indiana” until after this year’s Indy 500 so that the focus will remain on celebrating Nabors’ final performance at the Speedway.

Fans are encouraged to share their memories of Nabors at IMS.com/WeAllHaveAStory.