Alan Jackson, the beloved country music star, has officially announced the end of his touring career, revealing that his performance at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee on May 17 was his final show on the road. The announcement marks a poignant moment for both Jackson and his devoted fans, as he reflects on a legendary career that has spanned over four decades.
The 66-year-old singer, who has been living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease for more than a decade, shared the emotional news with the packed audience in Milwaukee. “Y’all may have heard that I’m kinda winding down. In fact, this is my last road show,” he told the crowd, visibly moved. The disease, a degenerative neurological condition, has caused Jackson to struggle with balance and mobility during performances, leading him to make the difficult decision to step back from touring.
Jackson had been diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) in 2011, a genetic condition that affects the peripheral nerves, leading to muscle weakness and difficulty walking. Although there is no cure for CMT, Jackson has managed the symptoms over the years with physical therapy and medical treatments. He first spoke about his condition in 2021 during an interview with Jenna Bush Hager on TODAY, revealing that it had been affecting him for years and was becoming more noticeable during performances. Despite the challenges, Jackson reassured his fans that the condition was not life-threatening, though it had begun to affect his comfort on stage.
“I have this neuropathy and neurological disease,” Jackson explained in 2021. “It’s genetic that I inherited from my daddy. It’s not going to kill me. It’s not deadly, but it’s related (to) muscular dystrophy and Parkinson’s disease.” His announcement resonated deeply with fans, many of whom have followed his career for decades.
Though this is the end of his touring career, Jackson is not completely retiring from the stage. He announced plans for one final performance in Nashville, where it all began for him. “We just felt like we had to end it all where it all started, and that’s in Nashville, Tennessee — Music City — where country music lives. I gotta do the last one there,” he said.
Jackson’s “Last Call: One More for the Road Tour,” which began in 2022, has raised over $2.25 million for the CMT Research Foundation, with a portion of ticket sales going to support research for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. For Jackson, the decision to donate to this cause is a deeply personal one, as he hopes to raise awareness and support for others living with the condition.
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Throughout his career, Jackson has been a beacon of authenticity, blending traditional country music with his own unique style and becoming one of the most respected figures in the genre. As he looks back on his career, Jackson expressed gratitude for the success and joy it has brought him. “It’s been a long, sweet ride. It started 40 years ago this September,” he said, reflecting on the journey. “I’ve really lived the American dream for sure — so blessed.”
As Jackson bids farewell to life on the road, his legacy as one of country music’s greats is cemented, and his final performance in Nashville will undoubtedly be a fitting tribute to a career that has touched the hearts of millions. Fans and fellow musicians alike are sure to remember Jackson’s contributions to the genre for years to come.