George Strait Rides Off Into The Sunset!

Why cowboy king is retiring after seven-concert tour

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Cowboy king George Strait is doing one final tour before hanging up his guns — and calling it quits on a historic career.

Now GLOBE has the intimate inside story behind his brave farewell — and how country music’s all-time hit maker has struggled against tragedy, pain and losing his golden voice.

“George says it’s time,” spills a pal.

“He grabbed for the brass ring and got it, but there’s been a lot of heartache along the way as well. He’d rather leave his fans with great memories and live out his days out of the public eye.”