Country music star ready for 30th anniversary tour, first album in 12 years: ‘What took so long?’

Country music icon Jo Dee Messina is celebrating a major milestone this year, hitting the road for a 30th-anniversary tour that will span nearly 40 cities across the United States. Fans can expect to hear classics like “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” “I’m Alright,” “Bye Bye,” and “Stand Beside Me” as the 55-year-old performer embarks on “The Bridges Tour: Celebrating 30 Years of Jo Dee Messina.“

A New Chapter and A New Record

The tour arrives alongside a highly anticipated musical comeback. Messina is set to release “Bridges” on June 5, marking her first studio album in 12 years. The singer has already given fans a taste of what’s to come with three released singles: “Some Bridges,” “Don’t Let Them Hide Your Beautiful,” and “Can Anybody.”

Reflecting on her hiatus, the Massachusetts native explained to Taste of Country that she spent the last decade prioritizing her two sons, Noah Roger and Jonah Christopher, and gathering life experience. Now that her children are older, she has found the time and motivation to return to the studio, writing songs about the wisdom and perspectives she has gained over the past ten years.

Alabama Concerts and Tour Highlights

Local fans won't have to wait long to catch her live. Messina is scheduled to perform in Alabama on June 17 at Gardiner Farm in Tuscumbia. The show is part of Saddle Up for St. Jude, a three-day fundraiser for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital that also features Rodney Atkins and Shenandoah. Other tour stops include Nashville for CMA Fest, Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth, and the GreyStone Amphitheater in Douglasville, Georgia. You can view the full list of tour dates here.

A Legacy of Authenticity

Throughout her career, which began with her 1996 self-titled debut, Messina has earned a reputation for her powerful, approachable stage presence. With six No. 1 Billboard country singles and four gold or platinum albums under her belt, she has remained a staple in the genre. Her previous album, 2014's “Me,” was released on her own label, and she has continued to command crowds at major regional events like Rock the South in Cullman.

To prepare for the physical demands of her current tour, Messina has been working with a trainer to get in top shape. Maintaining her health remains a priority for the artist, who is a cancer survivor. She recently told People that she is focused on her cardio because her new material and stage show require significant energy.

Recent Appearances

Messina’s return has been high-profile, including a surprise appearance during the hometown visit of “American Idol” winner Hannah Harper, where the two performed an impromptu duet of “Heads Carolina, Tails California.” Additionally, she recently appeared in a keynote conversation at the Country Radio Seminar alongside Alabama’s Ella Langley, discussing the pressures and faith-based journey that come with a life in country music.