Alan Jackson’s Health Journey: A Closer Look at the Country Legend’s Battle with a Rare Neurological Disorder

Introduction:

Country music icon Alan Jackson has been candid about his ongoing battle with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease — a rare, degenerative nerve disorder. The singer first revealed his diagnosis during an appearance on the Today show in 2021, disclosing that he had actually been living with the condition for more than a decade prior. He chose to go public after the symptoms became increasingly noticeable during his live performances.

“It’s getting more and more obvious,” Jackson shared at the time. “I know I’m stumbling around on stage. Now I’m even having a little trouble balancing, even in front of the microphone — it just makes me feel very uncomfortable.”

Despite the challenges, Jackson reassured fans that the disease is not life-threatening: “It’s not going to kill me. It’s not deadly.”

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease impacts the motor and sensory nerves that control muscles, primarily in the feet, legs, hands, and arms. While there is currently no cure, the condition can be managed through supportive therapies.

In a powerful moment in May 2025, Jackson returned to the spotlight at the 60th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, where he performed and accepted a lifetime achievement award named in his honor — a testament to his enduring legacy and resilience.

Here’s a closer look at Alan Jackson’s journey with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and what he has shared about his health along the way.

Jackson publicly revealed his diagnosis with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease in 2021

In September 2021, Alan Jackson made a heartfelt appearance on the Today show, where he revealed he had been living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease for over a decade. The country music legend, best known for hits like “Gone Country,” explained that he had long been hesitant to discuss his diagnosis publicly — but felt it was time to be honest with his fans.

“I’ve been reluctant to talk about this publicly and to my fans,” Jackson admitted. “But it’s been a while, and it’s starting to affect my performance onstage a little bit, where I don’t feel comfortable.”

He wanted to clarify any misconceptions from his live shows:
“I just wanted the fans and the public to know — if they’ve come to see me in the last few years, or if they come to see me in the future, if I play anymore — what’s going on. I don’t want them to think I’m drunk onstage because I’m having problems with mobility and balance.”

Jackson also shared that Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease runs in his family. He inherited the condition from his late father, and both his paternal grandmother and older sister were also diagnosed with the same neurological disorder.

“I just want people to know that’s why I look like I do, if they’re wondering,” he said. “I don’t want to appear like some whiny celebrity. It’s not going to kill me — it’s not fatal — but it is going to disable me eventually.”

Despite the physical challenges, Jackson continues to face his diagnosis with humility and strength, offering fans a deeper understanding of the man behind the music

Alan Jackson emphasized that his decision to speak out about Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease was driven by its potential impact on his music and live performances.

“This isn’t something I’d normally talk about or complain about,” he said. “But it is going to affect how I perform onstage, and I’m not sure how much longer I’ll be able to continue touring.”

Despite the challenges, Jackson expressed deep gratitude for his life and career, describing himself as “blessed” to have lived a “wonderful, beautiful life.” He also admitted that publicly acknowledging his diagnosis brought him a sense of relief.

“In some ways, it’s a relief,” he shared. “I was starting to get so self-conscious up there, stumbling around. It made me nervous just trying to keep my balance. And I looked pitiful. So I think it’s good to finally be open about it — so if anyone’s wondering why I don’t walk quite right, now they know.”

With honesty and grace, Jackson’s openness has not only clarified concerns for fans but also underscored the strength behind his enduring presence in country music.

He chose to stay on the road and connect with fans even after sharing his diagnosis

Alan Jackson performs from Ryman Auditorium for ‘A Capitol Fourth’ in Nashville

Less than a year after publicly revealing his diagnosis, Alan Jackson launched a nationwide tour titled Last Call: One More for the Road. The tour marked both a celebration of his legendary career and a heartfelt commitment to his fans.

“I’ve always admired my heroes—George Jones, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, and Charley Pride—who kept performing as long as they could,” Jackson said in a March 2022 press release. “I’ve always hoped to do the same, for as long as my health allows. I’ll do as much as I can, and if I’m heading your way, come see me.”

As part of his ongoing advocacy, Jackson pledged to donate $1 from every ticket sold to the Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) Research Foundation, helping to support efforts toward a cure for the rare neurological disease.

The “Livin’ on Love” singer performed at more than a dozen venues across the U.S., drawing large crowds and emotional support. However, due to health concerns, he was forced to postpone the final two shows of the tour, originally scheduled for October 2022.

“I hoped I’d be able to be there,” Jackson shared in a statement at the time. “I hate to disappoint my fans. I tried as much as I could to play this show at this time.”

Despite the setback, Jackson’s tour was a powerful statement of perseverance, passion, and gratitude — a true testament to his enduring legacy in country music.

Jackson has expressed his desire to keep creating music for as long as he’s able

Alan Jackson accepts the ACM Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award onstage during the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards on May 08, 2025 in Frisco, Texas

Alan Jackson, who released his critically acclaimed album Where Have You Gone in 2021, expressed in 2023 that he hopes to continue creating and sharing music in the years ahead.

“Yes, I would hope so,” Jackson said when asked by his daughter, Mattie Jackson, about the possibility of new music during a February 2023 episode of her podcast, In Joy Life. “The creative part jumps out every now and then. I’m always scribbling down ideas and thinking about melodies, and I feel like there’ll be some more music to come.”

For Jackson, songwriting remains one of the most deeply rewarding aspects of his career.

“It’s more fulfilling than anything,” the Grammy-winning artist explained. “You can be a singer and go out and tour, but it’s kind of like you’re just doing the same thing over and over. When you make an album—or especially when you write a lot of the songs—that’s creating something. It’s a challenge, so it keeps you more interested. If I didn’t write, I think I would’ve gotten bored just singing a long time ago.”

Despite health challenges, Jackson’s passion for storytelling and music remains strong, with fans hopeful for more heartfelt songs from the country legend.

He plans to retire from touring in 2025

Two years after pausing his 2022 tour, Alan Jackson announced that he would be resuming Last Call: One More for the Road in 2024 and 2025. However, he emphasized that each performance on this tour would serve as a farewell — “marking the last time I’ll ever perform my more-than-30 years of hits in that city and surrounding areas.”

“I’ve been touring for over 30 years,” Jackson shared in a video posted on X in June 2024. “I’ve played everywhere in the country and parts of the world. I’ve had a wonderful career, and now I’m entering my twilight years. My daughters are grown, I have one grandchild and another on the way. I enjoy spending more time at home, and I don’t want to be away as much as I had to be in my younger days. I don’t tour as much now as I did 10 years ago.”

The “Chattahoochee” singer cited both personal and health reasons for considering retirement from the road. “It’s getting to the point where I need to start thinking about hanging it up full-time,” he said.

“Most of my fans know I have a degenerative health condition that affects my legs, arms, and mobility — something I inherited from my dad, and it’s gradually getting worse,” Jackson added. “It makes performing onstage more challenging and uncomfortable. I want to call it quits before I’m unable to do the job the way I want to.”

The final leg of the tour began in Boston, Massachusetts, in August 2024 and is scheduled to conclude in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in May 2025, closing a remarkable chapter in the country music legend’s storied career.

He made a moving appearance at the ACM Awards in May 2025

Alan Jackson at the ACM Awards in Frisco, Texas on May 8, 2025

Amidst his ongoing tour and health challenges, Alan Jackson made a powerful return to the Academy of Country Music Awards on May 8, 2025.

He delivered an emotional rendition of his 2003 hit, “Remember When,” before taking the stage to accept the inaugural Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Usually, one of my fans tells me they named their dog after me, and I thought that was really something,” Jackson reflected while accepting the honor. “I came to Nashville with a paper sack full of songs and a crazy dream, and to be standing here all these years later receiving such an award is truly mind-blowing.”

He continued, “I thank God all the time for all the people who have been part of my life and career and who have stood by me through it all.”

Jackson took a moment to acknowledge his wife and high school sweetheart, Denise Jackson, describing her as “my best friend since I was 17 years old.”

“She’s loved me through the good and the bad, the happy and the sad,” he said. “She’s influenced me, given me three beautiful daughters, and helped keep my feet on the ground all these years. I wouldn’t be here without her.”