Alan Jackson Opens Up About His Health and Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Diagnosis
Country music legend Alan Jackson has been open about his health struggles in recent years, especially after being diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease. This hereditary neurological condition affects his balance and mobility, making it more challenging for him to perform on stage. The diagnosis was first shared publicly in 2021, and Jackson has since made significant changes to his career, including scaling back on touring to focus on his health.
Jackson’s CMT Diagnosis and Its Impact
In an exclusive interview with TODAY’s Jenna Bush Hager in 2021, Jackson revealed that he had been living with CMT for more than a decade. He explained that the condition is hereditary and was passed down from his father. CMT affects the motor and sensory nerves in the arms and legs, which leads to muscle weakness, difficulty with balance, and loss of coordination. This progressive condition had been affecting Jackson’s ability to perform, particularly his balance and mobility on stage.
“I have this neuropathy and neurological disease,” Jackson said. “It’s genetic that I inherited from my daddy. There’s no cure for it, but it’s been affecting me for years. And it’s getting more and more obvious. 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, he emphasized that the disease is not fatal, though it is related to conditions like muscular dystrophy and Parkinson’s disease.
Farewell to Touring: A Long-Awaited Decision
After years of performing and touring, Jackson made the bittersweet decision to retire from touring in 2025, making the announcement during his concert in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He shared with his fans that the 2025 tour would be his last road show. “This is the last one out on the road for me, and I’m so blessed. Thank you all so much for supporting my music,” he said during his final performance.
Though Jackson is retiring from the road, he still plans to hold one final concert in Nashville, Tennessee, where it all began for him. The concert in Music City will mark the end of an era for both Jackson and his fans, allowing them to celebrate the career of one of country music’s most iconic figures.
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Continuing His Commitment to CMT Awareness
Even as he winds down his touring career, Jackson has remained dedicated to raising awareness for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Throughout his tour, he donated a portion of each ticket sale to the CMT Research Foundation, ultimately raising over $2.25 million for the cause. His efforts have not only helped fund critical research but have also shed light on the challenges faced by those living with CMT.
Reflections on His Career and Health
During his final concert, Jackson reflected on his long and successful career, which has spanned more than four decades. “It’s been a long, sweet ride. It started 40 years ago this September,” he said, acknowledging both the personal and professional fulfillment he has found through his music. However, he also acknowledged that his health has made it increasingly difficult to perform at the level he once did.
“I think it’s just getting time to start thinking about hanging it up full-time,” Jackson shared in a video on his social media. “Most of my fans know I have a degenerative health condition that affects my legs and arms and mobility that I got from my daddy, and it’s getting worse. It makes me more uncomfortable on stage. I have a hard time, and I just want to think about maybe calling it quits before I’m unable to do the job like I want to.”
A Legacy That Will Last Forever
As Jackson retires from touring, his legacy as a country music icon remains secure. With 30 No. 1 hits and countless accolades, Jackson’s influence on the genre will be remembered for years to come. His commitment to his fans, his candidness about his health challenges, and his ongoing support for CMT research show the character and heart of a true legend.
Jackson may be stepping back from the stage, but his music and the love he has for his fans will continue to resonate, and his impact on country music and his fans will be felt for generations.