Country superstar George Strait has announced that he will retire from the road after mounting one final tour. Strait will embark on the Cowboy Rides Away Tour, which begins in 2013 and runs through 2014, before calling it quits on a touring career.

Strait made the announcement at a press conference at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville on Wednesday afternoon (Sept. 26). "It's been a hard decision for me to make, but as far as the touring goes, I've decided that I'm not going to tour anymore after these next two years," Strait told assembled reporters.

He hastened to add that he is not retiring. He will still make records, and he still plans to make occasional live appearances with his band at select events. "But as far as structured touring goes, after the last date of 2014 that's gonna be it for the touring," he stated.

The veteran entertainer said the tour will let him say goodbye to each city in turn. “This is going to be a very special, emotional tour for me," he noted. "Everywhere we’re going holds fond memories and I’m looking forward to paying my respects.”

Strait turned 60 earlier this year, and he revealed that helped him come to the decision. "I kinda always had it in the back of my mind, when I turned 60 it might be the time to start thinking about it. I didn't want to show up sometime for a tour and nobody came," he said. "It was kind of important to me to pick that time... I believe I made the right decision. I hope I did. Only time will tell."

He added that he reserves the right to change his mind. "In 2016 I might say, 'What a dummy,' you know?" he joked. "And if that's the case, maybe I'll reconsider, but at this particular time, I'm pretty sure I won't."

The 2013 dates of the Cowboy Rides Away Tour will go on sale Oct. 12. Martina McBride will open 20 of the 21 shows.

George Strait 2013 the Cowboy Rides Away Tour Dates:

1/18 - Lubbock, Texas

1/19 - Oklahoma City, Okla.

1/25 - Salt Lake City, Utah

1/26 - Nampa, Idaho

1/31 - Sacramento, Calif.

2/1 - Fresno, Calif.

2/2 - Las Vegas, Nev.

2/15 - St. Paul, Minn.

2/16 - Grand Forks, N.D.

2/22 - Buffalo, N.Y.

2/23 - Hartford, Conn.

3/1 - Knoxville, Tenn.

3/2 - Lexington, Ky.

3/17 - Houston, Texas

3/22 - Greenville, S.C.

3/23 - Greensboro, N.C.

4/5 - Albuquerque, N.M.

4/6 - Las Cruces, N.M.

4/12 - Little Rock, Ark.

4/13 - New Orleans, La.

6/1 - San Antonio, Texas