Alan Jackson’s Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Diagnosis and Impact on His Health and Touring Career
Alan Jackson, the beloved country music icon, has been open about his health journey after being diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, a hereditary neurological condition that affects nerve function. The diagnosis, which Jackson revealed publicly in 2021, has had a significant impact on his ability to perform, leading him to announce his retirement from touring in 2025.
CMT Diagnosis and Its Impact on Jackson’s Health
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the nerves controlling the muscles, causing muscle weakness and atrophy, especially in the limbs. For Jackson, this condition has made it increasingly difficult to maintain balance and mobility, which directly impacted his ability to perform on stage—a challenge he had been dealing with for over a decade before making the diagnosis public.
In an emotional interview with Jenna Bush Hager on TODAY in 2021, Jackson shared that he had learned about his CMT diagnosis 10 years prior, but had kept it private until its effects began to be more noticeable during his performances. “It’s getting more and more obvious,” he explained, referring to his struggles with balance and coordination during his shows. “I know I’m stumbling around onstage, and now I’m having a little trouble balancing, even in front of the microphone.”
Although Jackson’s health condition has affected his career, he was adamant that the disease is not fatal. “It’s not going to kill me. It’s not deadly… It’s just going to disable me eventually,” he reassured his fans, adding that he was grateful for the decades of success he had enjoyed.
Retirement from Touring
In May 2025, Jackson made the difficult decision to retire from touring, citing the challenges posed by CMT. During his farewell concert in Milwaukee, he told his fans, “Y’all may have heard that I’m kinda winding down. In fact, this is my last road show.” Jackson expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the audience, acknowledging the support he had received from fans throughout his career. “I’m so blessed. Thank you all so much for supporting my music,” he said, referring to his career as living “the American dream.”
Although Jackson is officially retiring from touring, he has planned one final show in Nashville, the city where his career began. “We’re planning on doing a big finale where it all started, and that’s in Nashville, Tennessee, Music City. So I’ve got to do my last one there,” he said, signaling a fitting end to his extraordinary career.
Raising Awareness for CMT
Despite stepping back from the stage, Jackson has used his platform to raise awareness about Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. His decision to go public with his diagnosis in 2021 has helped shed light on this often-under-recognized condition, which affects an estimated 2.6 million people worldwide. In his interview with TODAY, Jackson emphasized the importance of sharing his story to help others who may be facing similar health struggles.
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Legacy and Looking Forward
As Jackson bids farewell to life on the road, his legacy as one of country music’s most iconic figures remains secure. With countless hits and an enduring career that has spanned over three decades, he has cemented his place in the hearts of fans worldwide. While his final concert in Nashville in 2026 will mark the end of his touring days, Jackson’s influence will continue to resonate, and his music will live on as a testament to his incredible journey.
Through his openness about his health and his retirement, Alan Jackson has shown that, despite the challenges of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, his love for music and his fans remains unwavering. His story of resilience, grace, and the joy of sharing music will inspire generations to come.