After years in the music business, creating an alter ego called Earl Dibbles Jr. and 11 studio albums, country singer Granger Smith has decided to unplug the mic and switch career paths. After much contemplation, Smith will be pursuing a new endeavor in ministry after some time attending Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and working towards a master’s degree.

With the announcement of retirement, Smith is heading on one last tour! His Like a River Farewell Tour, will kick off this week and run through August.

This doesn’t mean goodbye forever for Granger Smith as he admits his overall online presence won’t be all that much different than it is now. In fact, he’s opening his life up even more to fans with the announcement of his new memoir, Like a River: Finding the Faith and Strength to Move Forward After Loss and Heartache, arriving on Aug. 1. This new book will discuss the difficult process of healing in the wake of his young son, River’s death back in 2019.