Alan Jackson Hints at New Music in the Future: “I Would Hope So”
Country music icon Alan Jackson has given his fans a glimmer of hope regarding the possibility of new music in the future. The Grammy-winning singer, who is known for his timeless hits like “Chattahoochee” and “Remember When,” recently shared with his daughter, Mattie Jackson, on the podcast In Joy Life that he may not be done creating just yet.
When asked if he envisioned more music on the horizon, Jackson’s response was optimistic. “Well, yes. I would hope so. I mean, I may not have toured much, but like I said, the creative part jumps out every now and then,” Jackson said. He added, “I’m always scribbling down ideas and thinking about melodies and I feel like there’ll be some more music to come, yes.” This statement has sparked excitement among his fans, as it would mark his first new music since his 2021 album Where Have You Gone, which was released in the midst of the pandemic.
The announcement of potential new music is especially meaningful as it would be Jackson’s first project since revealing his ongoing battle with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a degenerative nerve condition that affects his ability to walk and perform. The country legend disclosed his diagnosis in September 2021, making this possible new music a beacon of resilience for both him and his dedicated fan base.
Despite the challenges posed by CMT, Jackson has remained committed to his craft. In his conversation with Mattie, he discussed his passion for songwriting and how it keeps him motivated. “It’s like, you can be a singer and go out and tour, but it’s kind of like you’re just doing the same thing over and over. When you make an album, or especially when you write a lot of the songs, that’s creating something. It’s a challenge, so it keeps you interested a little more. If I didn’t write, I think I would’ve gotten bored just singing a long time ago,” he explained.
Jackson’s deep connection to his craft is evident not only in his songwriting but also in the way his music resonates with fans across the world. One of his most iconic songs, “Chattahoochee,” which he co-wrote with Jim McBride in 1993, serves as a reminder of how personal storytelling can have a universal impact. Jackson shared his surprise at how the song, about the river in his hometown, came to symbolize the coming-of-age experiences of people everywhere. “When Jim McBride and I wrote ‘Chattahoochee’ years ago… it was a fun, uptempo thing about coming to age and I thought, ‘Well yeah, that’s a fun song, and I like it, and people in Georgia are going to like it, but nobody else in the world is gonna know what it is or care about it.’ But then I learned right quick that everybody has a Chattahoochee,” he said. “It may be called something else, or may not be a river at all, but it just was the story, was something people could relate to in their life for wherever they were from.”
Beyond his professional journey, Jackson also shared heartfelt moments about his personal life, particularly his joy in becoming a grandfather. His daughter Ali and her husband Sam Bradshaw welcomed Jackson’s first grandchild, a grandson, on December 13. “The newborn is overshadowing most other things in our life at the moment,” he laughed. But it’s clear that family remains an important pillar for Jackson, and he has been deeply supportive of his daughter Mattie, who has gone through an emotionally difficult time in recent years after losing her husband, Ben Selecman, in a tragic accident. Jackson expressed joy at Mattie’s engagement to Connor Smith, calling it a hopeful new chapter for the family.
“We are again joyful and very excited about Connor coming into our family and your life and looking forward to y’all’s wedding this coming spring,” Jackson said.
As Jackson continues his battle with CMT, his commitment to his family and his music remains unwavering. His openness about the challenges he faces, paired with his dedication to songwriting and performing, shows the true spirit of resilience. Whether or not Jackson releases new music soon, his fans remain hopeful that his creative journey is far from over. And if his new material is anything like the classics he’s given us over the years, the wait will undoubtedly be worth it.