Alan Jackson Opens Up About Longstanding Health Battle with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
Country music icon Alan Jackson, 62, is courageously sharing details about his ongoing battle with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a degenerative neurological condition that has been affecting his ability to walk and perform on stage for over a decade. In a candid interview with Jenna Bush Hager on the TODAY Show, Jackson revealed the impact of the condition on his health, opening up to his fans for the first time about the struggles he’s faced privately.
A Private Struggle Now Revealed
For many years, Alan Jackson has kept his health battle private, but in recent months, he’s felt the need to speak out as the disease’s progression has become more apparent. “I’ve been reluctant to talk about this publicly and to my fans,” Jackson shared. “But it’s been a while, and it’s starting to affect my performance on stage a little bit where I don’t feel comfortable.” He admitted that while his fans have always supported him, he wanted to ensure they understood what was happening behind the scenes.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, or CMT, is a condition that affects the peripheral nerves, impairing muscle strength, mobility, and balance. The disease, which Jackson inherited from his father, is genetic and affects an estimated 2.6 million people worldwide, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Despite the challenges it brings, Jackson is determined to stay transparent with his fans and share the reality of how it has impacted his ability to perform.
Managing the Disease with Strength and Resilience
Though the disease has impacted his mobility and balance, Alan Jackson remains steadfast in his career. Jackson explained, “I don’t want them to think I’m drunk on stage because I’m having problems with mobility and balance. I have this neuropathy, a neurological disease I inherited from my daddy.” He emphasized that his father, grandmother, and older sister all had the condition, which has made it even more challenging for him to cope.
While Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease can’t be cured, Jackson is determined to keep performing as long as he is able. He clarified that CMT is not fatal, although it will progressively disable him over time. “It’s not going to kill me, it’s not deadly… It’s just going to disable me eventually,” Jackson said, showing his typical positive and grounded approach to adversity.
Jackson continued to explain that the disease has not affected his most prized asset—the strength of his voice. He remains hopeful that he will continue to create new music and perform, even if his future tours may be impacted. His latest album, “Where Have You Gone”, released in May 2021, shows his ongoing creative output and passion for music.
A Life Full of Blessings, Looking Ahead with Faith
In addition to his openness about his health, Jackson reflected on his blessed life and career. “I’ve had a wonderful, beautiful life, and I’ve been so blessed,” Jackson shared, acknowledging how fortunate he has been in his personal and professional journey. While he has faced health challenges, Jackson expressed deep empathy for those enduring even greater struggles.
“It’s not a condition that I would be complaining about typically,” he said. “But it is going to affect me performance-wise on stage, and I don’t know how much I’ll continue to tour.” Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future as a touring artist, Jackson is still committed to his fans and to continuing his musical journey for as long as possible.
The Influence of Legends and His Desire to Keep Going
Alan Jackson has always admired country music legends who continued performing well into their later years, and he hopes to follow in their footsteps. He mentioned that he has long looked up to figures like Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Charley Pride, and Loretta Lynn, who continued touring well into their golden years. “I always admired those folks, and I hope I can be one of those guys too,” Jackson said, expressing his desire to keep performing as long as he’s physically able.
Even as his health presents challenges, Jackson’s love for music and his unwavering connection with his fans remains steadfast. While it’s unclear how much longer he will tour, Jackson’s fans are sure to cherish every opportunity to see him perform live. His resilience in the face of this disease serves as an inspiration to many, reminding us all that true strength lies in perseverance, grace, and positivity in the face of adversity.