Judy Collins launches U.S. farewell tour at 87

Judy Collins is launching what she calls a farewell tour this fall, performing across the U.S. at 87 years old. The concerts are framed as her valedictory lap, but she insists she’s just getting started. With a full schedule of shows and no signs of slowing down, Collins is embracing the stage with the same fiery energy that has defined her six-decade career in folk music.

This isn’t Collins’ first farewell—she’s retired before, only to return when the music called. But this time feels different. After decades of reinvention—from protest singer to pop interpreter to enduring folk icon—she’s in the midst of a late-career renaissance. Her 2021 album *Spellbound* was a surprise hit, proving her voice still resonates with younger listeners. Collins has long defied expectations, surviving industry shifts, personal struggles, and the loss of close friends in music, including Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen. Now, she’s turning the page again, framing her tour as a celebration rather than an ending.

Collins’ tour kicks off in October in her home state of Maine, with stops planned through next summer. She’s not just dusting off old hits—she’s performing new arrangements of her classic songs and even debuting material from her upcoming album. Critics and fans say her voice remains rich and controlled, with a warmth that cuts across generations. Collins herself jokes that she’s "the Betty White of the folk movement," a nod to her enduring presence and good humor. Behind the scenes, she’s been working with younger musicians, ensuring her legacy isn’t just nostalgia but an active part of today’s music scene.

What happens next is anyone’s guess. Collins has a habit of defying predictions, and a true farewell would be a first. But for now, she’s savoring the moment—performing, writing, and staying busy. The tour isn’t just about saying goodbye; it’s about proving that some artists never really retire, they just find new ways to shine. And if history is any guide, don’t be surprised if Judy Collins is back on stage again.