Garrison Keillor is a name deeply associated with storytelling, American folk culture, and public radio. As the creator and long-time host of A Prairie Home Companion, Keillor became a cherished voice for millions of listeners who tuned in weekly to hear tales from his fictional town of Lake Wobegon. In addition to his radio work, Keillor is a prolific author, essayist, and occasional singer. But with his departure from the spotlight and evolving public image, many now ask: what is Garrison Keillor doing now? This article explores his current life, literary activities, musical ventures, and how he continues to engage with his audience in a quieter, more reflective phase of his career.
Early Life and Literary Foundations
Garrison Keillor was born on August 7, 1942, in Anoka, Minnesota. Raised in a deeply religious family, he developed a strong sense of narrative and voice from an early age. After graduating from the University of Minnesota with a degree in English, Keillor began his career in radio and print journalism.
His early work reflected a fascination with the ordinary lives of Midwestern Americans—stories marked by gentle humor, insight, and an appreciation for life’s subtleties. This narrative approach would eventually define his signature style.
Rise to Fame with A Prairie Home Companion
In 1974, Keillor created A Prairie Home Companion, a radio variety show that blended comedy sketches, monologues, music, and fictional news from the made-up town of Lake Wobegon. The show aired weekly on public radio and became a beloved cultural institution.
Keillor’s voice, often described as warm and soothing, drew in listeners of all ages. His stories about Lake Wobegon—a place “where all the women are strong, all the men are good-looking, and all the children are above average”—became a central part of American radio storytelling.
He hosted the show for more than four decades, writing nearly all of the material himself, including musical parodies, fictional commercials, and news from Lake Wobegon. His ability to find humor and poignancy in the everyday made him a unique figure in American media.
Author, Essayist, and Singer
Beyond radio, Garrison Keillor has built a substantial literary career. He is the author of more than two dozen books, including:
- Lake Wobegon Days (1985)
- Leaving Home (1987)
- Homegrown Democrat (2004)
- Liberty: A Lake Wobegon Novel (2008)
- The Keillor Reader (2014)
His books often mirror the tone and themes of his radio work—dry wit, Midwestern sensibilities, and an appreciation for community, memory, and nostalgia. Keillor has also published collections of poetry and essays, and his writing frequently appears in magazines and online platforms.
As a singer and performer, he often incorporated folk music and humorous songs into his shows. His baritone voice became a recognizable element of his stage and radio performances.
Controversy and Departure from Public Radio
In 2017, Garrison Keillor was dismissed from Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) following allegations of inappropriate behavior. The station cut ties with him, discontinued rebroadcasts of A Prairie Home Companion, and renamed the show under new host Chris Thile.
Keillor disputed the nature of the allegations and has maintained that his actions were misinterpreted. While he received both support and criticism, the incident marked a major shift in his public visibility. He largely retreated from mainstream media but continued to write and speak through his own platforms.
What is Garrison Keillor Doing Now?
Garrison Keillor is currently living a quieter life focused on writing, blogging, and occasional live performances. He resides in New York City and also spends time in Minnesota. While no longer associated with public radio, he remains active in creative work on his own terms.
Writing and Publishing
Keillor continues to write essays, poetry, and short stories. He regularly updates his personal website and newsletter, The Column, where he shares reflections on aging, politics, literature, and personal anecdotes. His tone remains familiar—humorous, nostalgic, and observational.
In recent years, he has self-published books and eBooks, offering them directly to his audience. This independent approach allows him to maintain creative freedom while still reaching dedicated fans who appreciate his distinctive voice.
He also writes birthday poems for famous historical and cultural figures, blending light verse with biographical commentary.
Live Performances and Readings
Though less frequent than in the past, Keillor still performs live readings and music events at theaters and libraries across the country. These events typically include storytelling, humorous commentary, and folk music—echoing the spirit of his Prairie Home Companion days.
The audiences at these events are often long-time fans who appreciate the comfort and depth of his storytelling. While his performances no longer receive national attention, they remain intimate and well-received.
Personal Life and Reflections
Now in his 80s, Garrison Keillor has embraced a more reflective lifestyle. He writes often about aging, memory, and family. He speaks candidly about his health, his shifting perspectives, and the joys of quiet daily routines.
He is married to Jenny Lind Nilsson, a classical violinist, and they have one daughter. Keillor frequently references family life in his essays, often using it as a springboard to explore broader themes of love, loss, and legacy.
Despite his retreat from mainstream media, he has found peace and purpose in continued creative output.
Literary Legacy and Influence
Garrison Keillor’s contributions to American storytelling remain significant. He redefined how humor, poetry, and narrative could be blended into accessible radio and literature. His ability to turn ordinary moments into meaningful reflections resonated with millions and helped revive interest in spoken-word performance.
Many modern podcasters, essayists, and public radio personalities cite Keillor as an influence. His work helped pave the way for programs like This American Life, and his model of serialized, character-driven storytelling has been replicated across multiple media formats.
Keillor’s books and recordings remain widely available, and his voice continues to comfort and entertain audiences who value his distinctive perspective on American life.
Public Perception and Criticism
Garrison Keillor’s public image has evolved over time. He was once regarded as a wholesome and uniquely American figure, but the allegations and his dismissal from MPR complicated that legacy. Some see his response to the controversy as insufficiently introspective, while others believe he was unfairly treated.
Nonetheless, his audience remains. Many longtime fans separate the man from the controversy and continue to engage with his writing and performances. His critics, meanwhile, call for more accountability and transparency.
Keillor himself has expressed regret over the controversy but remains firm in his belief that his behavior was mischaracterized. He has chosen to focus on creating new work rather than returning to public debates over his past.
Future Projects and Closing Chapters
Garrison Keillor has suggested in recent interviews and essays that he may be working on additional memoirs or poetry collections. His current projects appear to be self-directed, with no immediate plans for large-scale productions or partnerships.
He has also hinted at compiling a complete Lake Wobegon collection—a definitive edition of his beloved monologues and stories from A Prairie Home Companion. Such a project would likely be welcomed by fans and literary archivists alike.
As he enters his later years, Keillor’s focus remains on leaving a lasting literary legacy rather than returning to broadcast or television.
Conclusion
So, what is Garrison Keillor doing now? He is living a quieter life dedicated to writing, reflecting, and occasionally performing. No longer in the spotlight of public radio, he continues to share his stories and musings with a loyal audience through personal essays, newsletters, and independent publications.
Despite controversy and changing public perception, Keillor remains a significant voice in American literature and storytelling. His commitment to humor, humanity, and the intricacies of daily life continues to resonate, making him a lasting figure in the cultural memory of a generation.
FAQs
What is Garrison Keillor doing now?
Garrison Keillor is currently focused on writing essays, publishing independent books, and performing occasional live readings and musical events.
Did Garrison Keillor retire?
He stepped away from public radio after his dismissal in 2017 but continues to write and perform independently.
Is Garrison Keillor still writing?
Yes, he regularly publishes essays and books and maintains a personal newsletter where he shares stories and reflections.
What happened to A Prairie Home Companion?
After Keillor’s departure, the show was renamed and eventually concluded. Keillor is no longer affiliated with the program or Minnesota Public Radio.
Where does Garrison Keillor live now?
He resides in New York City and also spends time in Minnesota. He leads a more private life focused on personal writing and family.
Has Garrison Keillor written any new books?
Yes, he continues to publish new works independently, including collections of essays, poetry, and fiction available through his website.