He kicks off the marathon trek January 20 at the Executive Inn in Paducah, Ky., and so far has pencilled in stops at theatres and casinos in 58 cities with more likely to be announced.

To call Jones “resilient” would be a gross understatement. Indestructible might be more like it.

The 69-year-old music giant has survived not only the March 1999 accident, but four marriages – including to the equally legendary Tammy Wynette – and bouts with alcoholism and drug abuse nearly as famous as the man himself.

Despite it all, Jones has had arguably the most storied career in country music history. Only after the appearance in Nashville of slick youngsters such as Randy Travis, Keith Whitley, and Dwight Yoakam in the 1980s did Jones’ hardcore, traditional country style begin to fall out of favor and sales began to slow, after more than 40 years in the business.

He may not have the sales figures today of a whippersnapper like Garth Brooks, but an artist of Jones’ stature will always pull in the crowds for live performances. And despite a career that has afforded him the ability to relax and enjoy retirement, Jones isn’t ready to lay down his guitar just yet.