MCA NASHVILLE artist GEORGE STRAIT held a press conference in NASHVILLE TODAY (9/26) to announce that he will no longer tour after the current dates of which he has committed to are completed.

The press conference, which was held at the COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM, started with a montage of Country artists speaking about how GEORGE has influenced their career. Prior to GEORGE taking the stage, UMG Chairman MIKE DUNGAN said, "We want to make clear that this is not a retirement."

GEORGE then stepped to the podium and said "I have made the decision, that after these next two years (referring to current tour commitments), I am not going to do any touring." He also reiterated that he is NOT retiring, and plans to record and make much more music. He also said that this announcement does not mean that he will never make a stage appearance or performance, but however will not be free to pick and choose what festivals and events he wants to participate in in the future.