Alan Jackson’s Journey with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
In 2021, country music legend Alan Jackson revealed a deeply personal challenge he has been facing for over a decade: he has been diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, a rare and degenerative nerve condition. The singer, known for hits like “Gone Country” and “Livin’ on Love,” shared his diagnosis with the public after it began to affect his performance onstage, making it more noticeable to both him and his fans.
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Understanding Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a hereditary condition that affects the motor and sensory nerves, particularly in the feet, legs, hands, and arms. This leads to muscle weakness, atrophy, and a loss of sensation, which can severely impact mobility and balance. While there is no cure for CMT, its symptoms can be managed with supportive therapy, such as physical therapy, braces, and other mobility aids.
Jackson, in his interview on the Today show in September 2021, explained that he had been diagnosed with the disease 10 years prior and had kept it private out of reluctance. However, as the symptoms started to worsen, making it more difficult to balance and perform, he decided to share his journey with his fans. “I’ve been reluctant to talk about this publicly,” Jackson confessed, adding, “but it’s been a while, and it’s starting to affect my performance onstage a little bit where I don’t feel comfortable.”
A Family History of CMT
Jackson also shared that CMT runs in his family, with his father, paternal grandmother, and older sister also having been diagnosed with the disease. He emphasized that while it was not fatal, it would eventually disable him. “It’s not going to kill me, it’s not deadly… it’s just going to disable me eventually,” he clarified. His openness about his condition helped dispel any misconceptions fans might have had about his health, particularly about his onstage struggles, which could have been mistaken for intoxication. “I don’t want them to think I’m drunk onstage because I’m having problems with mobility and balance,” Jackson explained.
Despite the physical challenges, Jackson expressed relief at being open about his diagnosis, noting that it alleviated some of the self-consciousness he had been feeling while performing. “In some ways, it’s a relief because I was starting to get so self-conscious up there, about stumbling around,” he said, adding that it felt good to be transparent about his condition.
Continued Performances and Touring
Even after his diagnosis, Alan Jackson continued to tour, embarking on the “Last Call: One More for the Road” tour less than a year after sharing his diagnosis. Despite his health challenges, Jackson remained committed to performing as long as his condition would allow. He expressed admiration for country music icons like George Jones, Merle Haggard, and Loretta Lynn, who continued to perform for as long as they were able. “I’ve always thought I’d like to do that, and I’d like to as long as my health will allow,” Jackson said.
As part of his tour, Jackson made sure to give back by donating $1 from every ticket sold to the CMT Research Foundation, helping fund research to find better treatments for the disease. He went on to perform at over a dozen venues across the United States, but had to postpone the final two shows of the tour in October 2022 due to health complications related to his CMT. “I hoped I’d be able to be there,” he shared in a statement, expressing regret over disappointing his fans. “I tried as much as I could to play this show at this time.”
Legacy and Resilience
Despite his ongoing battle with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, Alan Jackson remains a beloved figure in country music. His ability to continue performing and sharing his story has inspired countless fans and fellow musicians. In 2025, he performed at the 60th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, where he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. This milestone moment highlighted his enduring legacy in the music industry, even as he navigates the challenges of his disease.
Through his honesty and resilience, Jackson has shown that, while CMT may affect his physical abilities, it has not diminished his passion for music or his love for his fans. His journey with the disease continues to unfold, but his courage in the face of adversity is a testament to his strength, both as an artist and as a person.