Johnny Mathis has cancelled forthcoming gigs and announced his retirement from touring at the age of 89. The veteran artist shared that he was suffering from "memory issues" (according to the UK’s Sun newspaper) and has decided to quit the road ahead of his 90th birthday.

Mr. Mathis, 89, a pioneer of romantic ballads, is leaving the stage because of his age and memory problems, his website said.

“As many of you may already be aware, Johnny Mathis is approaching his 90th birthday this year,” the statement continued. “So, it’s with sincere regret that due to Mr. Mathis’s age and memory issues, which have accelerated, we are announcing his retirement from touring & live concerts.”