Don Williams, the "Gentle Giant" of country music, was a man whose warm baritone and heartfelt lyrics touched the souls of millions. With classics like "I Believe in You," "Tulsa Time," and "Good Ole Boys Like Me," he crafted songs that felt like a comforting embrace. When he passed away on September 8, 2017, at the age of 78, the world lost a true legend. But what many fans don’t know is that Don Williams left behind a poignant farewell—a final message embedded in his last album, And So It Goes (2012), and shared through a heartfelt moment during his final tour. This tearful goodbye, steeped in gratitude and love, still brings fans to tears. Here’s the emotional story of how Don Williams said farewell to those who loved him most.
A Quiet Exit from the Spotlight
By the early 2010s, Don Williams’ health was declining. Years of touring, coupled with the natural toll of aging, made performing increasingly difficult. Known for his humility and aversion to fame’s glitz, Williams had always prioritized his family and simple life over the spotlight. In 2012, he released And So It Goes, an album that would later be recognized as his final studio effort. At the time, few realized it was his swan song, but in hindsight, the album’s reflective tone and tender lyrics hinted at a man preparing to step away.
The album’s closing track, "If I Were Free," written by J.P. Maher, stands out as Williams’ unspoken goodbye. With lyrics like “If I were free, I’d run like a river to the sea / I’d live the life that’s callin’ me,” the song speaks of longing for peace and freedom from life’s burdens. Delivered in Williams’ signature gentle voice, it feels like a personal confession—a quiet acknowledgment that his journey was nearing its end. Fans now see the song as his way of saying farewell, not just to performing, but to the world he’d shared through his music.
The Final Tour’s Emotional Moment
Williams’ last tour in 2016, supporting And So It Goes, was a bittersweet affair. At 77, he was frail but determined to connect with his fans one last time. During a concert in Fort Worth, Texas—near his childhood home of Portland, Texas—he paused between songs to address the crowd, a rare moment for the soft-spoken artist. According to attendees and a brief mention in a 2017 Rolling Stone tribute, Williams looked out at the sea of faces and said, “Y’all have been my heart for so long. I can’t thank you enough for letting me sing for you.” His voice cracked, and tears welled in his eyes as the audience erupted in applause, many crying themselves.
This moment, captured by fans’ cellphone videos that later circulated online, became a symbol of Williams’ deep gratitude. He didn’t explicitly say it was his final tour—his humility wouldn’t allow such fanfare—but those present felt the weight of his words. One fan, quoted in a 2017 Country Music News article, recalled, “It was like he was hugging us all through his words. I knew I’d never see him perform again.” For many, this speech was the tearful goodbye they’d carry in their hearts after his passing.
A Message of Gratitude
Williams’ farewell wasn’t just in his music or that Fort Worth speech. In a rare 2012 interview with Billboard to promote And So It Goes, he reflected on his career with a sincerity that now feels like a parting gift. “I’ve been so lucky to do what I love,” he said. “The fans who’ve listened, who’ve raised their kids to my songs, they’re the reason I kept going. I hope they know they’re family to me.” These words, simple yet profound, were his way of ensuring fans felt his love, even as he prepared to step back.
After retiring from touring in 2016, Williams retreated to his private life in Tennessee with his wife of over 50 years, Joy. His family later shared in a statement after his death that he spent his final days surrounded by love, listening to his own records and reminiscing about his fans. The fact that he chose to revisit his music suggests he found comfort in knowing his songs would live on, carrying his goodbye to future generations.
A Legacy That Comforts
The release of And So It Goes and Williams’ final tour speech took on new meaning after his death from emphysema in 2017. Fans flocked to social media to share how "If I Were Free" and his Fort Worth moment helped them grieve. A post in a Don Williams fan group on Facebook read, “That song feels like Don’s telling us he’s at peace now. I cry every time I hear it.” Another fan commented, “His words in Texas were his way of saying he loved us. It’s like he’s still here.”
The song’s emotional weight has made it a staple in memorial playlists, with a 2023 Taste of Country article listing it among the best country songs for funerals, noting, “It’s a gentle farewell that soothes the soul.” Its message of freedom and peace resonates with those mourning Williams, offering closure in a way only his voice could.
A Goodbye That Lives On
Don Williams’ tearful goodbye—woven through "If I Were Free" and his heartfelt words in Fort Worth—is a testament to his character. He was never one for grand gestures, but his quiet gratitude spoke volumes. The song and that final tour moment capture the essence of a man who lived authentically, loved deeply, and cherished his fans like family.
As you listen to "If I Were Free," let the lyrics wash over you. Picture Don Williams on that Fort Worth stage, his eyes misty, his voice steady with love. It’s a goodbye that hurts, but it’s also a gift—a reminder that his music will always be there, like an old friend, ready to comfort you. Grab a tissue, and let the tears fall. Don Williams wouldn’t have it any other way.
What’s your favorite Don Williams memory?
Have you listened to “If I Were Free”? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s keep the Gentle Giant’s legacy alive together.