Get ready, Garth Brooks fans: The chart-topping country superstar may be making a comeback with a world tour sooner than you think.

People.com reported Monday that Brooks -- who retired from music in 2001 but came back briefly in 2007, had shows at the Wynn Las Vegas hotel from 2009 to 2012 and also played at other venues -- may be coming back to the music world in a big way.

On Monday, Brooks enticed fans with a vague message that announced a live-streamed press conference set for noon Thursday.

During the news conference, rumor has it that the 52-year-old recording artist will make a special announcement. Fans are wondering whether Brooks will announce his re-emergence as an artist with the world tour CBS News reported on last year after Brooks talked about touring with his wife, fellow country star Trisha Yearwood, during a "Good Morning America" interview.

"Our baby's a senior in high school," he said about the timing of the world tour. "We've talked about it, and all my babies are fine with it. And Ms. Yearwood is fine with it."

So Brooks may be announcing the start of his tour Thursday.

Alternately, USA Today speculated that the country star and family man might announce the release of a new album.

After all, Brooks has not released an album with new music since 2001's "ScareCrow."

In November, Brooks released an album of musical covers in an eight-disc box set called "Blame It All on My Roots," which included newly recorded covers of popular country, pop and R&B songs.

And though fans enjoyed Brooks' renditions of these songs, they will undoubtedly be looking forward to new music from him if the rumors are true.

What do you think? Is Garth Brooks getting ready for a new world tour, or is he going to release new music? Share your comments below.