Paul Anka: Still doing it his way

paul anka, 84, released a new album timed for Valentine’s Day and says he has no plans to retire, a development that matters now as he prepares for a March tour leg and continues a decades-spanning career. The moves underline an active phase for an artist who remains a presence on the charts and in live performance.

Paul Anka: No plans to retire

Paul Anka has made clear he does not intend to step away from performing full time. In February 2026 he framed retirement as an option he has considered and rejected: “I know what retirement is. I don't want to retire. Let’s say I do 75 days a year. I got the rest of the year to do what the hell I want. I get to write. I got my things. This is so much fun. If you can’t have fun in life or in a job that you’re doing, don’t do it. ”

That approach — limiting engagements while staying creatively active — is the basis of his current strategy. He is planning a tour leg in March 2026 and continues to alternate writing, recording and live dates rather than ending his performing career.

New album released for Valentine’s Day

His latest record, titled Inspirations of Life And Love, arrived in time for Valentine’s Day as a collection focused on themes of love and life. It is one entry among more than 130 albums he has recorded over his career, and was described as a recent release in coverage of his performances and interviews.

That release timing ties to Anka’s ongoing live work: a new album provides fresh material to support the March tour leg and keeps momentum for audiences who continue to seek live shows and new recordings from long-established artists.

Evolving with Hollywood disruption

paul anka’s longevity reflects repeated reinvention. He has been in show business since about age 10, crossed from teen idol into a classic crooner role, and has maintained chart presence across seven straight decades on the Hot 100 chart. He has also written hits for other performers — including notable songs that were later recorded by major artists — and even unearthed a demo co-written with another superstar that surfaced years later.

His career has shown repeated adaptation to changing musical and media landscapes: he has reimagined his sound, embraced writing for others, and seen his work sampled by contemporary artists, which in one instance spurred a social-media trend in 2020. He pairs that creative adaptability with a disciplined routine — including a daily shot of olive oil with lemon — that he credits with helping him maintain vocal strength and stage presence at 84.

Forward look: with a new album in hand and a March tour leg booked, the observable schedule points to continued performing rather than retirement. If he sustains roughly the cadence he described — on the order of dozens of dates a year rather than a full retirement — he is positioned to remain an active recording and touring artist. Any change in that plan would be visible in future tour schedules and release announcements.

• Key takeaways: New album released for Valentine’s Day; he says he will not retire and plans tour dates in March 2026; career longevity tied to reinvention and a disciplined routine.