Meaning: This quote, attributed to Willard Scott, humorously references the multiple retirements of the iconic entertainer Judy Garland. Judy Garland was a renowned actress, singer, and vaudevillian who achieved great fame and success during the mid-20th century. Her career was marked by numerous highs and lows, and her struggles with personal and professional challenges were well-documented.

The quote reflects the well-known fact that Judy Garland made multiple attempts to retire from the entertainment industry throughout her career. Despite announcing her retirement on numerous occasions, she often returned to the stage or screen, unable to resist the pull of performing and entertaining her audiences.

Judy Garland's first major retirement announcement came in 1950, after experiencing burnout and exhaustion from the relentless demands of her career. However, she soon returned to the spotlight and continued to captivate audiences with her talent. This pattern of retiring and then returning to perform repeated itself several times over the following years.

One of the most notable instances of Garland's retirement and subsequent comeback occurred in the early 1960s. After a series of personal and professional setbacks, including struggles with substance abuse and financial difficulties, Garland announced her retirement in 1961. However, she made a triumphant return to the stage with a series of highly acclaimed concerts at Carnegie Hall in 1961, which solidified her status as a legendary performer.

Throughout her life, Judy Garland's struggles with mental health issues, addiction, and the pressures of fame undoubtedly contributed to her desire to step away from the spotlight. However, her undeniable passion for entertaining and connecting with audiences repeatedly drew her back into the limelight, leading to multiple "retirements" and comebacks.

Willard Scott's humorous reference to Judy Garland's multiple retirements serves as a lighthearted acknowledgment of her complex relationship with the concept of retirement. It also highlights the enduring impact of Garland's talent and the indelible mark she left on the world of entertainment.

In addition to her numerous retirement announcements, Judy Garland's legacy is defined by her unforgettable performances in classic films such as "The Wizard of Oz," where she immortalized the role of Dorothy with her iconic rendition of "Over the Rainbow." Her incredible vocal range, emotional depth, and charismatic stage presence continue to inspire performers and entertain audiences to this day.

Ultimately, Judy Garland's story is one of resilience, talent, and the enduring power of the human spirit. Despite the challenges she faced and her repeated attempts to retire, she remains a beloved and influential figure in the history of entertainment. Willard Scott's playful remark about her multiple retirements serves as a reminder of the complexities and contradictions inherent in the lives of iconic individuals like Judy Garland.