Country Music Star Announces Break From Touring for First Time in 13 Years

Chase Rice Takes Touring Break in 2026

Country singer Chase Rice announced that he will pause touring in 2026, marking his first real break from the road in 13 years. Fans still have a couple of chances to see him live before the hiatus begins.

Official Announcement

In a social media post shared on November 27, Rice wrote that he is “taking next year off from touring for the first time in 13 years.” His current schedule for 2026 includes only a few festival appearances, such as Stagecoach in Indio, California, and Barefoot Country Music Fest in Wildwood, New Jersey.

Joke About College Football Return

Rice framed part of the announcement playfully, saying he plans to “go back and apply and train” for a sixth year in college football. He mentioned that the University of North Carolina is his top choice, with the University of Florida as a close second, and joked about opening his “recruitment,” even tagging coach Lane Kiffin and referencing NIL deals.

Football Background

Before focusing on music, Rice played linebacker for the North Carolina Tar Heels during his college years. He has described himself as a major college football fan who loves the Tar Heels but also grew up rooting for the Florida Gators after spending his early years in Florida.

Path to Country Music

After his football days, Rice moved into country music, co‑writing Florida Georgia Line’s hit “Cruise” with Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley. That success helped launch his own career as a recording artist, eventually leading to popular songs like “Eyes on You.”

“I’m a big college football guy. Love, love my North Carolina Tar Heels, I played football there for five years, and gave that university my life… But, I grew up a Florida Gator. I grew up down in Florida, before I moved to North Carolina, and so I’ve always been a Gator fan. The kid in me always screams Florida Gators on Saturday.”

Author and Publication

The story was written by Kayla Aldecoa, a digital news writer who covers celebrity, entertainment and trending topics. The piece appeared in Parade’s news section and highlights both Rice’s touring decision and his football ties.

Author’s summary: Country star Chase Rice is stepping away from full‑time touring in 2026 after 13 nonstop years, joking about a college football comeback while keeping fans focused on his ongoing music career and deep-rooted love for the Tar Heels and Gators.

Parade Magazine — 2025-11-29