Scotty McCreery has no plans to retire from country music, but the 32-year-old singer is starting to think about making more room for his growing family.
The American Idol winner recently opened up about his future during an interview with Taste of Country Nights, explaining that retirement is not something he is considering. Instead, he expects to reduce the number of shows he plays as his children get older.
“Retirement, that word never crosses my mind,” McCreery said. “But slowing down a little bit does.”
For McCreery, the change is mainly about being present for his sons as they grow up. His oldest son, Avery, is getting closer to starting school activities and playing Little League, and the singer does not want to miss those important moments because he is away on tour.
Avery is set to turn 4 this year and will be 5 next year, meaning McCreery knows the next few years will bring plenty of new milestones.
“I’m not always gonna want to be gone,” he explained, adding that he wants more time simply to be around his family.
That does not mean McCreery has lost his passion for performing. In fact, he remains excited about touring, making music, working with his band, and meeting fans across the country.
“I love what I do, I love the band, I love touring, I love seeing the fans, I love the music,” he said.
The conversation about his future came after his friend Darius Rucker announced plans to step away from touring. McCreery was asked whether Rucker’s decision made him think differently about his own career now that he has children.
Rather than considering a complete exit from music, McCreery sees his future as a matter of balance. He wants to continue doing what he loves while also making sure his family gets more of his time.
His touring schedule shows just how busy he has been over the years. McCreery performed 109 concerts in 2023, followed by 92 in 2024 and 86 in 2025. He is listed for 63 concerts in 2026.
His number of annual performances has regularly remained high throughout his career, with 104 shows in 2014, 106 in 2019, and 97 in 2022.
After more than a decade of life on the road, McCreery may be ready to make a small change. He is not walking away from country music, but as his boys grow older, spending more time at home is becoming just as important as performing on stage.
For McCreery, the goal is simple: keep making music, keep playing for his fans, and make sure he is there for the moments that matter most to his family.