Chris Stapleton is one of the biggest stars in country music. He has won countless awards, including eight CMA Male Vocalist of the Year trophies. He has sold out stadium shows and earned several No. 1 hits at country radio.
That success isn’t lost on him.
In fact, the country music icon, 47, says — in his own words — “I’ve done more than I’ve ever set out to do.”
While appearing on Dax Shepard’s podcast, Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, Stapleton further revealed that he has been mulling over the idea of early retirement.
He’s Uncertain When He Will Make Another Record
“I’m at a bit of a crossroads. I don’t know when I’m gonna make another record or write a new song, I’m probably not really in the mood. And that’s ok with me….,” Stapleton explained while sharing his honest thoughts on the next steps of his career. “I don’t know how much longer I’ll even go play.”
Chris Stapleton Wants to Prioritize His Family
Stapleton, who shares five children with his wife, Morgane, reasoned that although he’s accomplished so much, he couldn’t have done it all without the support of his family. Putting a lot of thought into his future, he noted that it’s important to him that he give back to his kids the gift of time.
“I want to make a thoughtful decision about what I do with the rest of the time I have on this earth….I’ve got babies. I’ve got some that are almost out of the house. They gave up a lot for me to be sitting here with you,” the Kentucky native explained. “I owe them some things, I think, some time in particular. I’ve done more than I’ve ever set out to do.”
So what’s next?
Stapleton says, “Well. Now I have to get a new dream.”
“It’s important to find that. For me, fuel is the search,” he continued. “I’m gonna have to search for something. I’m gonna have to hunt for something. I don’t know what that is or where it’s going to come from…”
Although Stapleton believes some form of retirement could be looming, he promises, “I’m not hanging up my spurs.”
“I’m just saying I’m looking for the fire. I need the fire,” he said. “And I want the fire to lead. Sometimes that’s more elusive now than it used to be. … I do think that I’ve done enough. It’s not about doing something else. It’s about, for me, wanting to do something else. I think I owe it to the people that might listen to what I do or come see me play live that they get 100% of whatever I’ve got left in me. I feel very resolute in that, and if I don’t think I can deliver on that, I have to evaluate.”
This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 20, 2026, where it first appeared in the Celebs section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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