Walker Montgomery Shares Dad’s Retirement Plan

John Michael Montgomery’s son, Walker Montgomery, is following in his father’s footsteps when it comes to a musical career.

With his country legend father stepping away from touring come 2025, Walker talked to Taste of Country ahead of Country Radio Seminar in February about his father’s plans on retirement.

“I think he deserves it. It’s been 30 years,” Walker exclaims. “People don’t realize how tough the road is, especially back in the '90s.”

Walker isn’t sad about his father retiring. He knows his dad has had an impressive career, and put in a lot of work.

“As he says, they’d bring a gallon of whiskey on the road with them and it would be gone by Sunday,” he says. “It was a totally different kind of touring. It was tough on him.”

The hitmaker began his singing career with brother Eddie, becoming the known duo, Montgomery Gentry. From there, the singer would veer off on a solo career in 1992.

His son admits when his final show comes and goes, there might be a little sadness. However, with 10 studio albums and multiple hits, he knows he will continue to hear his dad’s music beyond the physical stage.

So what does all this newfound free time look like for his dad?

“He bought a camper,” Walker says laughing. “I’m sure it will just be a phase.”

Now, while some might think John Michael is going to take the camper around to different locations, that doesn’t exactly sound like what he has in mind.

“He wants to go down to Florida, sit on the camper, and do whatever,” his son says smiling.

“He doesn’t even want to park it at the beach, but rather sit inland in it."

Montgomery's official website lists seven tour stops for 2024. He says he'll be done after 2025, but it remains to be seen how many more times he'll take the stage. On Facebook, there are just four concerts listed as past events for 2023 and seven for 2022.

As for Walker, the singer released his Work to Do EP in September of 2023 with more music on the way.

“Ive never tried to hide from the Montgomery name. I am proud of what dad and Eddie were able to do,” the singer shares in regards to having his own career outside of his uncle and father.

“A lot of people think growing up in a famous household is different, but for me it was like the only difference for me was my dad worked on the weekends,” he shares. “I was lucky to have parents who tried to raise me with a normal environment. I think the Montgomery name is my last name, but not who I am completely and totally. It is a big part of me, but I’m just Walker.”

Adison Haager is the host for Taste of Country’s popular social media platforms. She brings the latest interviews with artists such as Jelly Roll, Ashley McBryde, Lainey Wilson and more, producing them to Taste of Country’s YouTube, TikTok, podcasts and website.