NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 14, 2012)--Country music icon George Jones says he's ready for one last tour before he retires from the road.

Jones said in a statement Tuesday that 2013's The Grand Tour will be his last after more than 50 years on the road.

He plans about 60 dates.

He said it's hard to quit doing what he loves, "but the time has come."

At 81, Jones is widely considered the greatest living country singer.

His contributions to the genre such as "He Stopped Loving Her Today" and "White Lightning" remain standards.

He's back on the road this year after postponing or canceling some dates because of an upper respiratory infection that led to two hospital stays.

The news release also said Jones will soon begin working on a new album with Dolly Parton already working on songs to contribute to the project.

No date has been set for its release.