Missy Elliott has revealed that she put off touring for years to look after her senior dog.
In April, the legendary rapper/producer announced her first ever headlining tour, which kicks off in Vancouver, BC tonight.
Speaking to People, Elliott says, "I stayed home a lot because I didn't want to go out on the road, and something happened."
Her dog Hoodie passed away last November at the age of 17. Elliott adds that "[he] lived a long, happy life."
It wasn't until after Hoodie's death, that close friend and tour-mate Ciara encouraged her to consider going out on tour.
"So I said, 'Okay, now I can leave the house without having to worry about anything,'" she recalls. "So Ciara and my dog played a big influence in me making the decision to go out."
Elliott does plan on bringing her other dog, Miss Fendi Dior, on the Out of This World Tour.
"She's six years old," she says. 'So [she's] got her clothes ready to go out on the road with us. [It'll] be fun, fun."
As for what to expect from the upcoming shows, Elliott feels ready after warming up in her rehearsals.
"It's full days, then I go home, and the work continues. But I feel good. I'm super excited," she admits.