This is Kenny Rogers' 35th holiday tour and his last. The legendary singer said he wants to spend more time with his family and he thanks his fans for his incredible ride.
It all began in 1981 with "Christmas." To support his first holiday album, Kenny Rogers toured the nation, performing future classics and old favorites.
He followed suit in every year that followed, but the 35-year tradition will soon end. Rogers said he's retiring from touring. "The Gambler's Last Deal" will run into 2017, a final farewell to fans.
"I'm 78. I can't hardly walk. I can't stand up long. It's time," said Rogers, who released five more holiday albums over the years. "But more than anything, I have two young boys, 12, and I need to spend some time with them. I have a lot of things I can share with them about being good people and responsible citizens."
The singer will perform in New Jersey twice this month: at Bergen Performing Arts Center on Dec. 15 and at Red Bank's Count Basie Theatre, Dec. 21. The show is different from previous years, taking "a linear look at my life, starting when I was in high school," the singer said.
That means the production will include jazz from Rogers' earliest days, songs from the 1930s and 40s, works from his Christmas oeuvre and those unforgettable hits like "The Gambler," "She Believes in Me," and "Through the Years." Despite having played some of those songs thousands of times, Rogers said he never tires of them.
"All of these songs, that's what I think kept me going for so long," he said. "Each one was different and that's what makes them fun to continue to do."
Rogers said his crowds typically include include "the people who lived it or the kids they played it for." They're particularly welcoming during the holiday season.
"My audience has been larger than I expected and I've gotten more respect than I probably deserve and certainly more than I expect," he said. "I've had a great life."
Music changes every decade or so, Rogers said, and he thinks that's a good thing. He recalled a conversation he had many years ago with someone who did not like his music. The debate became, "Is this an art form or is this a business?" Rogers says it's a business.
"If it's an art form, get rid of everyone who doesn't sound like Hank Williams," he said.
After 60 years, Rogers exits the stage with honors -- with multiple Grammys, Country Music Association and American Music Awards. He's sold more than 120 million albums and inspired countless younger musicians. He's a published author, an actor and a Country Music Hall of Fame inductee.
Rogers is also a father of six. His youngest, with fifth wife Wanda Miller, are twins Jordan and Justin. Rogers said he missed watching his other children grow up and he doesn't want to make that mistake again. He looks forward to attending their football games and traveling with them, even after they used the cameras he supplied them for a recent African safari to only take selfies.
His sons, however, may need some time adjusting to this next life change.
"They asked, 'Why are getting off the road?'" Rogers recalled. "I said, 'So I can spend more time with you.' They said, 'Oh no..."
<h3>Kenny Rogers: "The Gambler's Last Deal" Christmas & Hits</h3>
Dec. 15, 8 p.m., Bergen Performing Arts Center, Englewood
Tickets: $79 - $410, online or via 844-379-0370.
Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m., Count Basie Theatre, Red Bank
Tickets: $39 - $139, with dinner packages available, online or via 732-842-9000
Natalie Pompilio is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia. She can be reached at nataliepompilio@yahoo.com. Find her on Twitter @nataliepompilio. Find NJ.com/Entertainment on Facebook.