Watch the video at the end of this article.
Introduction
Here’s a more detailed breakdown based on the latest available information:
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) Disease: Alan Jackson publicly revealed in 2021 that he has been battling Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease for over a decade. This is a degenerative neurological condition that causes nerve damage, primarily in the arms and legs. It’s an inherited disease, and he inherited it from his father.
- Symptoms and Impact: CMT causes progressive muscle weakness and atrophy, particularly in the extremities. For Jackson, this has led to issues with balance and mobility, making him feel unsteady on stage and sometimes impacting his ability to play guitar. He has been open about feeling “uncomfortable” due to these symptoms.
- No Cure, but Management: There is currently no cure for CMT. However, symptoms can be managed with supportive therapies such as physical and occupational therapy, as well as assistive devices like braces or custom footwear. In severe cases, corrective surgery may be needed for deformities, but the search results do not indicate Jackson has undergone such surgery recently.
- “Last Call: One More for the Road” Tour: Due to the progression of his CMT, Jackson announced his “Last Call: One More for the Road” tour, which was widely seen as his final extensive touring. His show in Milwaukee on May 17, 2025, was stated to be his “last road show of my career.”
- Planned Nashville Finale: While he’s winding down touring, Jackson has expressed plans for a “big finale show in Nashville next summer sometime” (referring to summer 2026). This is intended as a celebration and a proper farewell to his fans in the city where his career began.
- Emotional Updates: Jackson has been consistently emotional when discussing his health journey and his decision to step back from touring. His gratitude for his fans and family, and his determination to close this chapter with grace, are recurring themes in his public statements. The initial quote “Thank you for your prayers — I’m healing and grateful” fits perfectly within this broader context of his ongoing health management and appreciation for support, even without a specific recent surgery being reported.