Who Is Penny Lancaster? Rod Stewart’s Wife Breaks Silence on His ‘Retirement’

Penny Lancaster has addressed the confusion around Rod Stewart‘s retirement announcement, clarifying that the legendary singer is ending his rock ‘n’ roll touring career but has no plans to stop making music.

Lancaster explained that Stewart wasn’t retiring from music. He was talking specifically about his long-running rock ‘n’ roll touring career. She said she had recorded Stewart’s retirement message herself, and she was surprised that fans immediately assumed he was calling it quits.

According to Lancaster, Stewart “quite clearly” said he was not retiring, but plenty of people reacted before they got to that part of the message. The 55-year-old said Stewart’s upcoming tour will be his last rock ‘n’ roll tour, especially as he turns 82 next year.

Who Is Penny Lancaster?

Penny Lancaster is a British model and television personality who has been married to Rod Stewart since 2007. The couple have two children.

She’s also a familiar face on British television, including as a panelist on ITV’s Loose Women. She appeared on the show on October 8, 2026, where she talked about Stewart’s recent announcement that he was saying farewell to life on the road.

Her comments came after many people read his announcement as a decision to quit music altogether.

Why Is Rod Stewart Ending His Rock ‘n’ Roll Tours?

Lancaster said Stewart has talked for years about how hard it would be to keep performing songs like “Do You Think I’m Sexy” and “Hot Legs” forever.

She stressed, though, that his appetite for performing hasn’t gone anywhere.

Stewart is especially keen to return to the American Songbook, which has played a big part in his career. Lancaster also pointed to his more recent work with Jools Holland as a hint of where he might head next.

“He wants to rekindle his love for that music,” Lancaster said, adding that Stewart wants to show the different sides of his voice.

What Will Rod Stewart Do After His Final Tour?

Even with the classic rock tour coming to an end, Lancaster suggested he’s unlikely to step away from performing entirely. She said he might eventually come back to some of his biggest hits, because he’d find it hard to say no to fans who ask for them.

As Lancaster sees it, the line is between Stewart’s traditional rock ‘n’ roll shows and his wider musical career. “The actual rock n’ roll tour that everyone knows of his classics will be no more after next year’s tour,” she said.

His final run of rock shows is due to start in April 2027, with the first date at Dublin’s 3Arena.

Rod Stewart’s Health After Heart Procedure

Lancaster also spoke about Stewart’s recent health scare. She said the singer has recovered from a stent procedure after a heart blockage and described him as “full of beans.”

Stewart now feels as though he has a “new lease of life” since his recovery, she said. Despite his decision to end the traditional touring run, her comments suggest his relationship with music is far from over.

What Did Rod Stewart Say in His Retirement Announcement?

Stewart announced last month that his upcoming tour, The Final Encore, would be his last major run on the road. In his message, he looked back on more than six decades of performing and thanked fans for making his career possible.

He began singing professionally at 19 and has spent decades touring the world. The farewell tour is expected to mark the end of an era for his signature rock performances.

Still, Lancaster’s comments make clear that fans shouldn’t necessarily take the announcement as the end of Rod Stewart’s music career.