Alan Jackson, the legendary country singer, has been open about his health struggles and the impact Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease has had on his life and career. In 2021, Jackson publicly revealed his diagnosis with the degenerative neurological condition, which he had been living with for a decade. He shared his story during an exclusive interview on the TODAY show with Jenna Bush Hager.
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. It causes progressive muscle weakness, difficulty with balance, and challenges with mobility. Jackson explained that his condition, inherited from his father, had been affecting his balance for years, making it more noticeable during his performances. The disease has been causing him to stumble and struggle with his balance on stage, leading to a sense of discomfort during his concerts.
Despite the challenges, Jackson clarified that CMT is not a fatal disease, although it is progressive and can eventually lead to more significant physical limitations. He acknowledged that while the disease was not life-threatening, it was related to conditions like muscular dystrophy and Parkinson’s disease, which also affect the nervous system.
Touring and Retirement
After more than 30 years of successful touring, Jackson made the difficult decision to retire from life on the road. He announced during his May 17, 2025, concert in Milwaukee that it would be his final tour stop. “This is the last one out on the road for me, and I’m so blessed,” he told the crowd, expressing his gratitude for the years of support from fans. Jackson also revealed that he would be holding one final show in Nashville, where his career began, marking the end of his touring journey in the place that was pivotal to his rise to fame.
Despite stepping away from touring, Jackson’s commitment to his fans and music remains strong. He mentioned that although his health had made performing increasingly difficult, he still planned to pursue music in a more limited capacity, making the final show in Nashville a special and meaningful conclusion to his career.
Philanthropic Efforts
Throughout his career, Jackson has been passionate about raising awareness for CMT and supporting research into the condition. He actively raised funds for the CMT Research Foundation during his final tour, donating a portion of ticket sales and encouraging fans to contribute. Through this effort, Jackson raised over $2.25 million for the foundation, helping further the research into CMT and similar degenerative diseases.
Legacy and Future Music
Although Jackson is retiring from touring, he remains dedicated to his music. He has expressed a desire to continue creating and sharing music, including the possibility of releasing new songs. “I think it’s just getting time to start thinking about hanging it up full-time,” he said, noting the challenges he faces on stage due to his health condition. However, he remains hopeful about his creative future and has promised fans more music to come.
In his reflection on his long career, Jackson expressed how thankful he was for the opportunity to live the “American dream” and for the support he received from his fans. His legacy will undoubtedly live on through his iconic songs and the millions of lives he has touched with his music.