End of a Legendary Era: Star Floor Jansen Officially Announces Her Retirement from Music at Age 44

End of a Legendary Era: Star Floor Jansen Officially Announces Her Retirement from Music at Age 44

June 28, 2025 – Helsinki, Finland

 

In a heartfelt and emotional statement released today, Floor Jansen, the powerhouse vocalist best known as the frontwoman of Nightwish, officially announced her retirement from music at the age of 44 — bringing to a close one of the most iconic and transformative careers in symphonic metal and progressive rock history.

“This has been the most beautiful journey of my life,” Jansen wrote in a public letter shared on social media. “But the time has come to embrace stillness, family, and a new chapter. I’m not saying goodbye to music — I’m just choosing a different song.”

 A Voice That Shaped Generations

Jansen, who joined Nightwish in 2012 after fronting bands like After Forever and ReVamp, leaves behind a legacy defined by raw power, operatic brilliance, and deep emotional resonance. Her arrival not only stabilized Nightwish after a turbulent era but helped launch them into a new golden age, with landmark albums like:

•Endless Forms Most Beautiful (2015)

•Human. :II: Nature. (2020)

•Yesterworld (2024)

Her range — both vocally and emotionally — gave Nightwish a cinematic depth that attracted millions of fans worldwide and brought critical acclaim even outside the boundaries of the metal genre.

Fans and Musicians React

Tributes poured in from fans, fellow musicians, and industry legends:

•Tuomas Holopainen, Nightwish’s founder and composer:

“Floor didn’t just sing our music — she lived it. We wouldn’t have become who we are without her.”

•Simone Simons of Epica wrote:

“Floor has been a beacon of grace, fire, and artistry. She inspired a whole generation of women in metal — myself included.”

Hashtags like #ThankYouFloor and #LegendJansen began trending within hours of the announcement.

 A Personal Choice Rooted in Family

Jansen cited a desire to spend more time with her family — particularly her daughter and husband, drummer Hannes Van Dahl — as the core reason behind her decision.

“Being a mother changed everything,” she shared. “My priorities shifted. I want to be present, not just perform.”

Her recent health battles, including a successful breast cancer surgery in 2022, also shaped her outlook and desire to step away from the demanding life of international touring.

 Netflix Documentary in the Works

Coinciding with the announcement, Netflix confirmed production has begun on a documentary titled “The Voice Eternal: The Floor Jansen Story”, set to debut in early 2026. The film will trace her rise from a teenage phenom in After Forever to one of the most celebrated voices in modern music.

 The Final Note

While this marks the end of Jansen’s time as a touring and recording artist, she made it clear she is not disappearing entirely.

“Music lives in me forever. I may return one day — in a different way. But for now, I’m choosing peace, silence, and home.”

With over 30 years of music behind her, Floor Jansen leaves a void few can fill, and a legacy that will echo in the halls of metal, rock, and hearts of fans forever.

 Legacy Highlights:

•Over 15 studio albums

•Multiple world tours

•Collaborations with Metal Allegiance, Ayreon, and more