🎻 MARTY STUART & CONNIE SMITH ANNOUNCE 2026 “ONE LAST RIDE” TOUR — A FINAL CELEBRATION OF TWO COUNTRY MUSIC LEGENDS

In a stunning announcement that has sent a wave of emotion across the country music world, Marty Stuart and Connie Smith — two of the most beloved, respected, and enduring figures in the genre — have revealed plans for their 2026 “One Last Ride” Tour.

Longtime fans erupted with excitement and nostalgia as the news broke early this morning, recognizing instantly that this marks not just another tour, but the final chapter of a historic musical journey spanning more than a century of combined artistry.

For the first time ever, the married legends are officially framing a tour as their farewell, making it one of the most significant and sentimental events in modern country music.

A Farewell That Feels Like History

In a heartfelt announcement video filmed inside the historic Mother Church of Country Music — the Ryman Auditorium — Marty Stuart stood beside Connie Smith as they shared the news with fans.

Connie, elegant and soft-spoken as ever, began:

“I’ve been blessed to sing for more than sixty years. Every stage, every song, every applause has been a gift.

‘One Last Ride’ is our way of saying thank you — to the fans, to the music, and to the life we’ve lived.”

Marty placed a gentle hand on her shoulder and added:

“We’ve traveled millions of miles, played thousands of shows, and met the most incredible people along the way.

This tour is a celebration — not an ending, but a blessing.”

The video immediately went viral, with fans calling it “beautiful,” “heartbreaking,” and “a moment of pure country history.”

A Tour That Honors Their Entire Musical Legacy

Insiders describe the “One Last Ride” Tour as a rich, emotional, career-spanning celebration of two artists who represent the heart and soul of traditional country music.

🌟 Connie Smith’s Timeless Legacy

Connie Smith, whose 1964 breakout single “Once a Day” spent an unprecedented eight weeks at No. 1, remains one of the most powerful vocalists in country history.

Known for her crystal-clear tone and heartfelt delivery, she has inspired generations of artists, from Dolly Parton to modern country stars who cite her as an influence.

Her setlist for the tour is expected to include:

• “Once a Day”

• “Then and Only Then”

• “Cincinnati, Ohio”

• “Just One Time”

• “The Hurtin’s All Over”

Alongside lesser-performed gems cherished by longtime fans.

🌟 Marty Stuart’s Country Preservation Brilliance

Marty Stuart — a mandolin prodigy who toured with Lester Flatt at age 13 and later joined the Johnny Cash band — has built one of the most unique careers in country music.

Equal parts performer, historian, and preservationist, he’s spent decades honoring the heritage of bluegrass, honky-tonk, rockabilly, and gospel while also pushing the genre forward with his band The Fabulous Superlatives.

His likely tour selections include:

• “Tempted”

• “Hillbilly Rock”

• “This One’s Gonna Hurt You”

• “Country Star”

• “The Observations of a Crow”

And of course, tributes to Lester Flatt, Johnny Cash, Porter Wagoner, and other legends who shaped his musical upbringing.

🌟 Duets That Tell a Love Story

Fans will also be treated to rare live duets from Marty and Connie — musical moments steeped in romance, storytelling, and the unique chemistry that has defined their life together.

A Production Built on Emotion, History, and Heart

Early sources say the stage design for “One Last Ride” will incorporate:

• archival footage from both of their early careers

• photographs from decades on the road

• tributes to the Grand Ole Opry

• acoustic segments honoring the roots of country music

• traditional rhinestone-and-honky-tonk aesthetics

• storytelling interludes between songs

One production insider described the tour as:

“A living museum of country music — but with all the warmth and humanity that makes Marty and Connie who they are.”

Rather than the pyrotechnics of modern pop tours, this show will lean into authenticity, emotion, and heritage — a reminder of the genre’s soul.

A Fanbase Reacting With Tears and Gratitude

Minutes after the announcement, fans of all ages flooded social media with tributes:

• “I grew up watching my grandmother listen to Connie Smith — now we’ll see her together.”

• “Marty Stuart is the reason I picked up a mandolin.”

• “This tour is history. I won’t miss it for anything.”

• “Their love story is country music’s greatest ballad.”

Country artists also chimed in, many calling this farewell tour “the end of an era” and “a final gathering of two of the genre’s purest voices.”

Why “One Last Ride”?

While neither Marty nor Connie is retiring from making music, both acknowledged that the physical demands of full-scale touring are no longer sustainable — especially for Connie, who turns 85 in 2026.

But instead of stepping back quietly, they chose to celebrate their journey with gratitude and grace.

Marty explained:

“We don’t want to slip away quietly.

We want to honor the road that raised us — one last time.”

A Final Bow for Two Country Icons

As the world prepares for the “One Last Ride” Tour, there is a shared understanding among fans, musicians, and critics alike:

This tour is not just a concert series.

It is a piece of history.

A closing chapter of a love story — between two artists, between their music, and between them and their audience.

One ride.

Two legends.

One final chance to witness the heart of country music — alive, timeless, and unforgettable.