The folk music duo Marianne and Michael Hartl are planning the stage farewell. The two want to start their last tour next year - after 50 years on stage. "Young people should do that now. There are so many youngsters," says Marianne Hartl, who turns 70 on February 7th. "We're looking forward to our free time now."

It is not yet clear where the farewell tour will lead. "The tour is currently being planned." But there will probably only be stations in Germany. "Folk music, as we do it, is no longer as present," Marianne Hartl continues.

Health setbacks in the last year

But it is even more the health setbacks in the past year that make both of them set new priorities. Marianne suffered a broken shoulder, Michael a stroke. "What happened makes you sit up and take notice: be careful, you're only renting your 'apartment' and how you deal with your apartment is your responsibility," says Marianne Hartl. "The perspective has changed. We know that the tape measure is getting shorter."

Golf, the mountains, the garden in your own house - and of course the family, the four grandchildren - that should now be the priorities. "We have so many options." In addition, she is committed to her association "Marianne and Michael Freudes Herz e.V.".

In the summer, the couple wants to fulfill a dream: a boat tour in Croatia through the Kornati archipelago. "It's going to be an adventure." Nevertheless, the two play it safe: "We're only driving along the coast. We won't take any risks." The first tour you will be accompanied by friends on another boat. Her aged West Highland White Terrier Winnie will be there.