Bobby Pulido talks retirement and politics

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Tejano Legend Bobby Pulido announced his retirement from the music scene and his plans to pursue politics on Thursday.

“It's bittersweet," Pulido said. "I am closing a chapter in my life and going to start another one.”

For three decades, Pulido has been a household name in the United States and Mexico, has won a Latin Grammy, and is proud to be the first Tejano singer to sell out an auditorium in Monterrey, Mexico.

He says his biggest accomplishment has been being able to step out of his father’s shadow.

His father, Roberto Pulido, is another Tejano legend, and his career has spanned over 60 years. He also announced his retirement on Thursday.

“When I first started, I had people telling me that I was not going to make it and that I was not good enough and through the years I was able to make a name for myself," Bobby said.

Now, the Latin Grammy winner's farewell tour is set to begin in January. Although no dates have been released yet, he plans to have one of his last few shows in the Rio Grande Valley.

His father was one of the first he told about his political ambitions.

“His dream was to be in politics because he has always cared about the people, and I said you are already old enough to make your own decisions," Roberto said. "Whatever you decide, as a father, I am here to support you in whatever you do.”

Bobby's uncle, Jose Roel Pulido, says he is proud of his nephew and his vision.

“He has new ideas that can help everybody and not just democrats, not just republicans but everybody because the sun was born for everybody," Jose Roel said.

Attendees were surprised by the announcement. Among them was Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza. Although and he said he does not know what office Pulido is running for, but gave Bobby some advice.

“Make sure that you use all your experiences and everything you know to help serve the people," Garza said. "It does take a lot of time away from your family and everything.”

Bobby says he has enjoyed his musical career and now his legacy will be in the hands of his fans.

“I'll leave it up to them, and I did my best always," Pulido said. "I always gave them my all and that's the way it's always that's the way I've always been.”

Bobby told ValleyCentral that he plans to announce more about his political plans during his farewell tour next year.