After decades of success, five Grammy awards and three platinum records, Sandi Patty is saying farewell.

But not before saying “thank you” to those who have supported the contemporary Christian singer during her 30-year career.

Patty will make a stop in Natchez on her Forever Grateful farewell tour, which begins next week.

Patty is the most awarded female vocalist in contemporary Christian music history, with 40 Dove Awards. She was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2004.

She has released more than 30 albums, but says now is the time to goodbye.

“I’m getting to that age vocally where I don’t want to be like some of those athletes that you look at and say, ‘Oh, they should have quit a long time ago,’” Patty said, laughing. “I want to be mindful of the art form and not wait too long before I step away.”

Retirement would also mean more time for family.

“My kids are all grown now, and my husband and I have raised eight kids between us, and some of them are starting to have babies which means a lot of grandbaby activities,” Patty said.

Patty began singing in church when she was a child.

“I was really shy, and words were very difficult for me, and so I would listen to a song, and I would think, ‘That’s how I feel,’” Patty said. “I want to be able to say that.”

Patty had never planned on becoming a professional singer, though.

She went to college to be a teacher, but it wasn’t long before she found her true calling.

“I started to do a little singing here and there with different Christian artists, and doors just started to open for me,” Patty said.

Patty said she never really considered any other kind of music except Christian for her career.

“I think Christian music really kind of chose me,” she said. “Knowing what a relationship with Jesus Christ in my own life has been like, there was just no other choice for me. I always felt like that is what I wanted.”

Patty has accomplished a great deal throughout her career, memories she says she will cherish.

“My mom likes to brag that I’ve gotten to meet five presidents,” Patty said, laughing. “That was fun. I have had a lot of fun, and I’ve been able to travel to some beautiful parts of the world and meet some amazing people. “

One place she has not traveled is Natchez.

“I grew up in a small town, and I absolutely love coming to small towns, because there is something about small-town people that is really special,” Patty said. “We wanted to go to places we’ve not been to, and Natchez just seemed like the perfect place to go.”

Patty’s Natchez concert is set for 7 p.m., March 6 at the Natchez City Auditorium.

General admission is $25. Premium tickets are $45, and platinum tickets are $100. Group pricing of $18.50 per ticket for groups of 10 or more is available.

To purchase tickets, visit premierproductions.com or call 336-887-3582.