Alan Jackson Reveals Health Struggles and Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Diagnosis as He Bids Farewell to Touring
Country music legend Alan Jackson, 66, has announced his decision to step away from touring after decades on the road, citing his diagnosis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, a hereditary neurological condition that has affected his balance and mobility. In an emotional farewell during a concert in Milwaukee on May 17, Jackson revealed that his current tour would be his last.
“I’m winding down,” Jackson told the sold-out crowd, adding, “This is my last road show.” The announcement was met with heartfelt applause and appreciation from his fans.
In a video shared on Instagram, Jackson expressed gratitude for his decades-long career. “I’m so blessed,” he said. “Thank you all so much for supporting my music. I’m living the American dream for sure.”While Jackson may be retiring from touring, he still plans one final performance in Nashville, Tennessee, where it all began. “We’re planning on doing a big finale where it all started, and that’s in Nashville, Music City,” he shared with excitement.
The decision to step back from touring follows Jackson’s public revelation of his health struggles. In a 2021 interview on TODAY, Jackson opened up about his diagnosis with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a degenerative nerve condition that affects the peripheral nerves, leading to muscle weakness and balance issues.
He explained that he had been experiencing symptoms for years but had noticed his condition worsening. “I’ve been stumbling around on stage, and now I’m having trouble balancing, even in front of the microphone,” he said. “It’s uncomfortable.”Jackson stressed that while CMT is not deadly, it is progressive and has affected his ability to perform as he once did. “It’s getting worse, and it makes me more uncomfortable on stage,” he said in a video posted on his social media in May 2024.
Though Jackson’s health has led him to slow down, he has remained committed to his fans and his music. Throughout his tour, he raised over $2.25 million for the CMT Research Foundation, donating a portion of ticket sales to support research into the disease.
“It’s been a long, sweet ride,” Jackson said during his final concert. “It started 40 years ago this September.” While Jackson’s retirement from touring marks the end of an era, his legacy and contributions to country music remain undeniable.