Alan Jackson, the beloved country music icon, has been open about his diagnosis with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a hereditary neurological condition that affects the nerves connecting the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. This condition has led to balance issues and muscle weakness, particularly in his legs, which became more apparent during his tours.
Jackson first shared the news of his CMT diagnosis in 2021 during an interview on the TODAY show with Jenna Bush Hager. He revealed that he had known about the condition for about ten years but had kept it relatively private until it began to affect his ability to perform on stage.
The disease, which is genetic and runs in his family, causes neuropathy (nerve damage) that has impacted his balance and mobility. Jackson admitted that he was starting to notice the effects more frequently while performing, explaining, “I know I’m stumbling around on stage. And now I’m having a little trouble balancing, even in front of the microphone, and so I just feel very uncomfortable.”
Despite the challenges, Jackson made it clear that the diagnosis wasn’t fatal, but it was affecting his ability to tour and perform the way he had throughout his career. He explained that CMT had been gradually affecting him over the years, but it had reached a point where he needed to scale back his touring.
In May 2022, during a concert in Milwaukee, Jackson announced that he would be taking a step back from touring. He referred to his final shows as part of his “Last Call: One More for the Road” tour. While this would be his last extensive tour, Jackson reassured his fans that he wasn’t retiring from music entirely, but rather focusing on his health and spending more time at home. He also shared that he had plans for one final show in Nashville, the city where his career began, before wrapping up his touring.
The decision to retire from the road was a tough one for Jackson, but it was a necessary step to prioritize his health. He emphasized that while he wouldn’t be touring extensively anymore, he still wanted to perform when he was able and would continue to make music. Jackson has also used his platform to raise awareness for CMT, encouraging his fans to support the CMT Research Foundation and learn more about the disease.
Jackson’s honesty and transparency about his health journey have garnered admiration from fans and fellow musicians alike, as he continues to balance his passion for music with the realities of living with a chronic condition.