Alan Jackson’s emotional farewell: Country legend opens up about his health battle

Alan Jackson is one of the most celebrated figures in country music history and his career boasts an incredible string of commercially successful singles and albums.

He has amassed 35 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and has sold nearly 60 million albums worldwide. Iconic songs like “Chattahoochee,” “Don’t Rock the Jukebox,” “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning),” “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” and “Remember When” are staples of country music.

Throughout his career, Jackson has received countless accolades, including 2 Grammy Awards, 16 Country Music Association Awards, and 19 Academy of Country Music Awards. In 2017, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, solidifying his legendary status. Just recently, on May 12, 2025, he received the inaugural Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award at the ACM Awards.

CMT disease

However, in September 2021, Jackson revealed his diagnosis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

He publicly revealed his diagnosis in 2021, although he had been diagnosed about a decade prior. CMT is a degenerative condition that affects the nerves connecting the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body, causing motor and sensory problems, including: Muscle weakness, particularly in the legs and arms along with a difficulty with balance and walking.

There is currently no cure for CMT, but therapies can help manage the symptoms. Jackson mentioned that the condition has been affecting his ability to perform on stage, leading to his decision to conclude his touring career, with his final tour stop occurring on May 17, 2025.

The Georgia native addressed the sellout Milwaukee crowd and informed them that this was his last show on tour. He did add that he plans on one last show in Nashville next summer to close things out.

“Y’all may have heard that I’m kind of winding down. In fact, this is my last roadshow of my career. I appreciate it. Y’all gonna make me tear up out here,”

“It’s been a long, sweet ride; it started 40 years ago this September,” Jackson said. “My wife and I drove to Nashville with an old U-Haul trailer and chased this dream. It’s been a crazy ride. I lived the American dream, for sure. So blessed. Thank you all so much for all your support of my music and attending my shows.”

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