Alan Jackson, the legendary country singer, has been candid about his health challenges, particularly his battle with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, a rare and progressive neurological condition. The disease affects the motor and sensory nerves, leading to muscle weakness and difficulties with balance and coordination. Although Jackson was diagnosed with CMT more than a decade ago, he shared the news publicly for the first time in 2021, acknowledging how it has impacted his ability to perform on stage.
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CMT Diagnosis and its Effects
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a hereditary condition, and Jackson explained that he inherited it from his father. His older sister and paternal grandmother also struggled with the disease, which has made performing increasingly challenging. “I know I’m stumbling around onstage, and now I’m having a little trouble balancing, even in front of the microphone,” Jackson shared during his appearance on the Today show in 2021.
Despite the difficulties, Jackson made it clear that the disease, while debilitating, is not life-threatening. “It’s not fatal—it’s just going to disable me eventually,” he said. The singer expressed that his condition had started to affect his comfort level while performing, and he didn’t want fans to think he was intoxicated onstage when in fact, he was struggling with mobility issues.
Touring and Future Plans
In response to his diagnosis, Jackson slowed down his touring schedule. He explained that although the disease doesn’t stop him from performing, it has made it harder to keep up with the physically demanding nature of live shows. However, Jackson’s love for music and performing has remained steadfast, and he continued to tour even after sharing his diagnosis. In 2022, Jackson resumed his Last Call: One More for the Road Tour, despite his health challenges.
In an interview with his daughter Mattie Jackson, the country star expressed hope that he would still create music in the future. “I’m always scribbling down ideas and thinking about melodies,” he said. “I feel like there’ll be some more music to come.”
Reflecting on His Legacy
In 2024, Jackson made the difficult decision to wind down his touring career, announcing that the 2025 tour would mark his final shows. He explained that while he had enjoyed a thriving career spanning more than 30 years, the combination of his health condition and his desire to spend more time with family led him to this decision. “Most of my fans know I have a degenerative health condition that affects my legs and arms and my mobility…it’s getting worse, and I just have a hard time,” he admitted.
The “Chattahoochee” singer shared his appreciation for the incredible journey and expressed his gratitude for the fans who supported him through his career. “I’ve been touring for over 30 years, you know, played everywhere in the country and parts of the world… I’ve had a wonderful career,” Jackson reflected, acknowledging the joy and fulfillment his music has brought both to him and his audience.
A Legacy Beyond Music
Throughout his career, Alan Jackson has not only impacted the country music scene with his iconic hits like “Livin’ on Love,” “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning),” and “Don’t Rock the Jukebox,” but he has also become a beloved figure due to his honesty, humility, and connection to his fans.
While his touring days may be coming to an end, Jackson’s legacy will continue to live on through his extensive catalog of music and his deep influence on the genre. Even though he faces health challenges, his love for music and his gratitude for the life he’s had shine through in everything he does. His message of resilience, authenticity, and family remains a testament to his character.
The Last Call: One More for the Road Tour will wrap up in May 2025, bringing Jackson’s touring career to a close with a final show in Milwaukee, Wisc.