Johnny Mathis, 89, announces final performance as legendary singer suffers ‘age and memory issues’

Legendary singer Johnny Mathis has announced his retirement from touring and live performances due to “age and memory issues”.

The 89-year-old crooner, known for hits like Wonderful, Wonderful and It’s Not For Me To Say, will perform his final concert on May 18, 2025 in Englewood, New Jersey.

All scheduled performances from June 2025 onwards have been cancelled as the iconic vocalist approaches his 90th birthday.

The announcement brings an end to a remarkable career that has spanned more than six decades, during which Mathis has sold over 360 million records worldwide.

A statement shared on Mathis’s Facebook page explained the difficult decision.

“As many of you may already be aware, Johnny Mathis is approaching his 90th birthday this year,” the statement read.

“So, it’s with sincere regret that due to Mr. Mathis’ age and memory issues which have accelerated, we are announcing his retirement from touring & live concerts.”

The post expressed heartfelt gratitude to fans worldwide for their continued support.

“Johnny Mathis & his entire staff send their heartfelt gratitude to all Mathis Fans worldwide for your continued love & support of his music. It’s truly been ‘Wonderful, Wonderful,'” the statement concluded.

Throughout his illustrious career, Mathis has recorded 73 studio albums, with 10 certified Gold for selling 500,000 units each.

His most popular album, Johnny’s Greatest Hits, once held the record for the longest-running album on the Billboard 200, charting for 490 weeks from 1958 until 1968.

In 2003, Mathis was awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and has received five Grammy nominations throughout his career.

Three of his recordings: Chances Are, It’s Not For Me To Say and Misty have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

His most recent album, Christmas Time Is Here, was released in 2023, featuring covers of holiday classics.

Mathis has four remaining concerts on his 2025 Voice of Romance tour before his retirement.

These include performances in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania on 10 April; Shipshewana, Indiana on 26 April; Santa Rosa, California on 10 May; and his final show in New Jersey on 18 May.

Fans holding tickets for cancelled shows from June 2025 onwards will receive refunds through their original point of purchase.

A follow-up message on social media clarified that filming or streaming the final concerts would not be possible.

However, the statement noted that Mathis is “just retiring from touring and concerts, so the good news is there is potentially new music in the works”.

Mathis holds the record for being Columbia Records’ longest-signed recording artist, a testament to his enduring popularity.

The pop and jazz singer is known for timeless hits including Too Much, Too Little, Too Late, Gina, and What Will My Mary Say.

He is also the voice behind the festive favourite When A Child Is Born, though he once admitted he couldn’t remember recording the tune.

Speaking to The Independent in 2008 about ageing, Mathis said the best age to be was “the age you are. When you get my age, you’re really quite happy.”

“Make sure your life encompasses everything and everybody,” he added.