In a moment that left fans stunned and emotional, country music legend Alan Jackson, now 66 years old, has finally spoken openly about the serious health battle he’s been quietly facing for years—a progressive condition that has slowly changed his life behind the scenes.
Known for his iconic hits like “Chattahoochee”, “Remember When”, and “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning),” Alan has been a cornerstone of country music for over four decades. But during his recent appearance on a national broadcast, he confirmed what many had feared: he has been living with a degenerative nerve disorder known as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT).
“I’ve had it for years, but it’s getting more noticeable now,” Alan shared, his voice steady but somber. “I’m having a little trouble balancing, even in front of the microphone. And it’s been affecting my ability to move around on stage like I used to.”
CMT is a genetic condition that affects the peripheral nerves, leading to muscle weakness, difficulty walking, and a gradual loss of motor control. While not life-threatening, it is incurable and progressive, meaning the symptoms worsen over time. Alan inherited the disease from his father and has known about it for over a decade—but chose to keep it private until now.
“I never wanted people to feel sorry for me. I just wanted to keep playing music and doing what I love.”
Fans began noticing subtle changes in recent years—Alan leaning more during performances, standing in place more often, and even cancelling a few tour dates. Rumors circulated, but the singer stayed quiet… until now.
“It’s been hard. I won’t lie,” he said. “But I’m still here. I’m still singing. And as long as I can, I will.”
The revelation comes on the heels of his recent farewell-style tour, Last Call: One More for the Road, which he admitted may be his final full-length tour. Still, he’s hopeful about playing occasional shows and continuing to write and record music, even if his time on the road is winding down.
“I’m not done yet,” he assured his fans. “The music will always be part of me—even if the shows become fewer and far between.”
Since his announcement, an outpouring of love has flooded social media. Fellow artists, longtime fans, and even those who’ve never met him have shared stories of how Alan’s music shaped their lives—and how his strength now inspires them even more.
At 66, Alan Jackson may be slowing down physically—but spiritually and musically, he remains as powerful, honest, and enduring as ever.
“I’ve lived a blessed life,” he said through tears. “And I just want to keep doing what I love… for as long as I can.”