Rod Stewart is preparing to take his final bow on the road.

The 81-year-old rock legend announced his “Final Encore Tour” on Monday, revealing that next year will mark the end of his decades-long touring career. The emotional announcement comes after Stewart faced a series of health issues in recent years.

“Well, here we go… one last time!”, Stewart wrote on Instagram. “Come and see me on my The Final Encore Tour for one more round of rock ’n’ roll. I’m really looking forward to it. Get your tickets now with link in the bio.”

In addition, Stewart opened up about the emotional decision in a video message to his fans per Fox News.

“Ladies and gentlemen, after much deliberation and sadness, I have to announce next year will be my last tour ever, ever, ever,” Stewart said.

However, the singer made it clear that he is not retiring from music completely.

“I’m not retiring, but this will be the last rock and roll tour,” he explained.

Stewart then thanked the fans who have supported him throughout his extraordinary career.

“I wanna thank you for everything you’ve given me, and hopefully I’ve given you something in return,” he said.

He ended the message on a much lighter note, singing an invitation to fans: “Please come out and see me on the tour. It’s gonna be great!”

The announcement quickly brought emotional reactions from longtime followers. Some said they were “heartbroken,” while others thanked Stewart for decades of music and memories.

Years of Health Setbacks

Stewart’s farewell announcement follows several health setbacks that have interrupted his touring schedule in recent years.

The singer has previously been forced to cancel shows while dealing with illnesses including strep throat, COVID-19 and the flu.

His health problems continued in 2026.

A sinus infection and an acute upper respiratory infection led to laryngitis, forcing Stewart to cancel additional performances so he could recover.

Then, in August, Stewart faced a more serious health concern.

The singer canceled the remaining dates of his “One Last Time Tour” after undergoing a coronary stent procedure.

A coronary stent is a small tube placed inside an artery to help keep it open and improve blood flow to the heart.

Despite the procedure, Stewart’s representatives reassured fans that he was recovering well.

“Doctors are pleased with his recovery, and Rod is doing very well and has returned to his normal daily activities,” his team said in a statement shared on Instagram.

Doctors nevertheless wanted Stewart to give his body enough time to fully heal before returning to his demanding performance schedule.

“On the advice of his doctors, he will take the next four weeks to recuperate and regain full fitness before returning to the stage,” his team added.

Wife Penny Lancaster Reveals His Intense Routine

Stewart’s wife, Penny Lancaster, later explained why doctors were so determined to keep the singer off the stage during his recovery.

Lancaster said performing a Rod Stewart concert involves far more physical activity than fans might realize.

Before a show, Stewart exercises, warms up his voice and prepares himself physically for nearly two hours of performing.

“So, he’s on the cycling machine warming his legs up, he’s warming his voice up, he’s getting prepared with his outfit,” Lancaster explained during an appearance on the “At Home with Vanessa” podcast.

She said the energy only increases when Stewart heads toward the stage.

“Once he gets onstage, he doesn’t just walk on, like he runs on,” Lancaster said. “And the first song, it’s like go, go, go.”

According to Lancaster, Stewart can keep up that pace for “an hour and a half, two hours.”

That intense routine was one of the reasons doctors wanted him to take several weeks away from touring after his heart procedure.

Lancaster said doctors recommended “not touring, not doing those shows for four weeks” so Stewart could make a full recovery.

But getting the famously energetic singer to slow down apparently has not been easy.

“He’s already back in the gym,” Lancaster revealed.

She joked that it has taken a group effort to make sure her husband follows his doctors’ instructions.

“Between me and my brother, his trainer, and doctors and everyone, you know, we’re not letting him get away with it,” she said. “He has to do as he’s told.”

Rod Stewart’s Legendary Career

Stewart has spent more than 60 years building one of rock music’s most recognizable careers.

Born Roderick David Stewart in London on Jan. 10, 1945, he began pursuing music professionally during the 1960s.

His distinctive raspy voice soon helped set him apart.

Stewart performed with several groups early in his career before becoming the lead singer of the Faces. The band became an important part of the British rock scene and helped turn Stewart into an international star.

At the same time, he began building a hugely successful solo career.

His breakthrough as a solo artist came in the early 1970s. “Maggie May,” released in 1971, became one of his signature songs and helped establish him as a major star.

More hits followed over the decades, including “You Wear It Well,” “Tonight’s the Night,” “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?,” “Young Turks,” “Forever Young” and “Have I Told You Lately.”

His music has moved through rock, pop, soul and standards, allowing Stewart to remain popular with several generations of listeners.

Stewart has sold well over 100 million records worldwide during his career and has received some of music’s biggest honors.

He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice — as a solo artist and as a member of the Faces.

Stewart was also knighted in 2016 for his services to music and charity, officially becoming Sir Rod Stewart.

One Last Time on the Road

Even after decades of performing, Stewart has repeatedly shown that he has little interest in simply slowing down.

His health problems have forced him to take breaks, but he has often returned to performing as soon as doctors allowed.

Now, Stewart is preparing for one final major rock and roll tour.

The announcement may mark the end of his days traveling from city to city for large tours, but Stewart stressed that it does not mean he is walking away from music altogether.

For the singer, the farewell tour appears to be a chance to celebrate his career with the fans who helped make it possible.

After more than six decades of hit songs, packed arenas and unforgettable performances, Stewart is getting ready for one final encore — and he wants his fans there with him.