Garrison Keillor, ‘Prairie Home Companion Host,’ Announces Retirement Plans

Garrison Keillor, the founder and host of radio program A Prairie Home Companion, has said that he is retiring next year.

Garrison Keillor Retiring

Keillor, 72, says that there other other things that he wants to pursue outside of A Prairie Home Companion, so is committed to leaving the radio program after this season, Time reported. He is considering his America the Beautiful tour this summer his farewell tour.

Following his last show in July 2016, Keillor plans to remain onboard as executive producer, but will be handing off the hosting reigns to musician Chris Theile. Theile, who has played with bands Punch Brothers and Nickel Creek, confirmed his upcoming gig in a statement Monday.

“[Keillor and I] have lengthily discussed the future of the show with me as host and agree that we should give it a go,” Theile said. “There are, for course, plenty of details to iron out, but I’m very excited!”

Keillor has hosted A Prairie Home Companion since 1974. The PBS radio show regular attracts 4 million listeners each week.