Alan Jackson Announces Retirement from Touring Amid Ongoing Health Struggles
Alan Jackson, the legendary country music star, has made a heartbreaking announcement regarding his future in touring, revealing that his recent performance in Milwaukee on May 17 marked his final road show. At 66 years old, Jackson has been battling Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a progressive genetic disorder that causes muscle weakness and atrophy, affecting his ability to perform on stage as he once did. The news, though anticipated due to his ongoing health issues, was still met with emotional reactions from both Jackson and his devoted fans.
Addressing the crowd in Milwaukee during his Last Call: One More for the Road Tour, Jackson shared a heartfelt message. “Y’all may have heard that I’m kinda winding down, and in fact, this is my last road show of my career,” he told the audience, visibly moved. The announcement was met with extended applause, and Jackson, fighting back tears, added, “Y’all gonna make me tear up out here.”
Despite the gravity of his decision, Jackson offered a glimmer of hope for fans. “But I will say, this is my last road show out here, but we’re planning on doing a big finale show in Nashville next summer sometime,” he revealed. He explained that the show in Nashville would serve as a meaningful conclusion to his touring career, saying, “It just felt like I had to end it all where it all started. And that’s in Nashville, Tennessee. Music City.”
Jackson’s health struggles have been a long-running challenge. In 2021, he shared with Today that Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease had been affecting him for years. “It’s been affecting me for years, and it’s getting more and more obvious,” Jackson admitted. “And 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, and I just want people to know that’s why I look like I do.”
His heartfelt announcement comes after an emotional performance at the 2025 ACM Awards, where Jackson received a standing ovation for his rendition of “Remember When.” The tribute to his extensive career was a poignant moment for both the singer and his fans, highlighting the deep connection he has with his audience and the love he has always received in return.
Jackson’s farewell from touring marks the end of an era for country music, but he assured his fans that his legacy will continue through his music. Fans eagerly await his final show in Nashville, where Jackson will celebrate his career one last time, surrounded by the city that launched his iconic journey in the world of country music.