Alan Jackson’s Health Battle: 5 Facts About His Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease And Final Tour

Country music legend Alan Jackson has been remarkably open about his ongoing health challenges, revealing a diagnosis that has profoundly impacted his ability to perform. As of December 2025, the beloved singer is managing Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, a progressive and incurable neurological disorder that affects his balance and mobility. His transparency has brought a spotlight to this rare condition, even as he prepares to conclude his touring career with an emotional series of final shows.

The news of his condition, which he first disclosed in 2021, has resonated deeply with fans worldwide, prompting a surge of curiosity about the disease and his current status. Despite the physical limitations, Jackson’s spirit remains strong, and he continues to be an active part of the country music community, most recently making a tearful appearance at the 2025 ACM Awards. This article offers a deep dive into Alan Jackson’s life, his specific health battle, and the future of his iconic career.

Alan Jackson: Biography and Career Highlights

Alan Eugene Jackson, born on October 17, 1958, in Newnan, Georgia, is one of the most successful and influential artists in the history of traditional country music. He is celebrated for his signature blend of honky-tonk and mainstream country, often focusing on themes of working-class life, heartbreak, and patriotism.

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Jackson's career trajectory is a testament to perseverance, starting from humble beginnings and eventually leading him to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

• Full Name: Alan Eugene Jackson
• Born: October 17, 1958 (Age 67 as of late 2025)
• Hometown: Newnan, Georgia
• Spouse: Denise Jackson (married 1979)
• Key Albums: Here in the Real World, A Lot About Livin' (And a Little 'Bout Love), Drive, and Where Have You Gone.
• Signature Songs: "Chattahoochee," "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere," "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)," and "Remember When."
• Accolades: Multiple Grammy Awards, CMA Awards, ACM Awards, and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

His authentic, straightforward style has cemented his status as a true country music icon, influencing a generation of artists. His longevity in the industry, spanning over three decades, is a rare feat in the modern music landscape.

What is Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT)?

The disease Alan Jackson has is Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a hereditary neurological disorder. He revealed his diagnosis in September 2021 on the Today Show with Jenna Bush Hager, though he had been managing the condition for over a decade.

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CMT is a degenerative nerve condition that affects the peripheral nerves—the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.

1. CMT is a Degenerative Neurological Disorder

CMT is the most common inherited neurological disorder, affecting approximately 1 in 2,500 people in the United States. The disease causes damage to the myelin sheath or the axon of the peripheral nerves, which are responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

Jackson inherited the condition, noting that his father also had it. The progression is typically slow, but the symptoms worsen over time, which is why Jackson’s balance issues became more pronounced in recent years.

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2. Key Symptoms Affect Balance and Mobility

The symptoms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease often begin in the feet and legs, sometimes starting in childhood or adolescence. For Alan Jackson, the most noticeable impact has been on his balance, which is a significant challenge for a performer on stage.

Common CMT symptoms include:

• Muscle Weakness: Primarily in the feet, ankles, and legs, leading to difficulty walking.
• Foot Drop: Difficulty lifting the front part of the foot, causing a high-stepped gait.
• Foot Deformities: High arches and hammer toes are common.
• Loss of Sensation: Numbness or tingling in the extremities.
• Muscle Atrophy: Wasting of muscle tissue in the lower limbs.

While the condition is rarely life-threatening, it can be significantly debilitating, making everyday activities and especially live performing increasingly difficult.

3. There is No Cure, But Treatment Can Help

Currently, there is no cure for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. However, various treatments and therapies can help manage the symptoms and maintain quality of life.

Treatment focuses on supportive care, including:

• Physical Therapy: To strengthen muscles and maintain flexibility, helping to prevent muscle contractures.
• Occupational Therapy: To help with daily tasks affected by hand and arm weakness.
• Orthotic Devices: Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are often used to help with foot drop and walking stability.
• Surgery: May be necessary to correct severe foot deformities.

Jackson himself has become an advocate, collaborating with organizations like the CMT Research Foundation to help raise money and awareness for research into treatments and a potential cure.

The Last Call: Alan Jackson’s Farewell Tour and Legacy

Alan Jackson’s ongoing health struggle has necessitated a significant shift in his professional life. The progression of his CMT disease has made the rigors of a full touring schedule unsustainable, leading to the announcement of his final run of concerts.

4. The Emotional Farewell Tour and 2026 Concert

Jackson’s "Last Call: One More for the Road Tour" is a poignant opportunity for fans to see the legend one last time. This farewell tour signifies the end of his full-time concert commitments, a decision made due to the increasing difficulty of performing while managing his balance issues.

The tour has been met with immense fan support, recognizing the effort it takes for the singer to continue performing. News reports indicate his last full-length live concert is scheduled for 2026, marking a bittersweet close to his touring chapter.

5. A Legacy Beyond the Stage

While the concert stage may soon be a memory, Alan Jackson’s musical legacy is secure. His body of work, filled with timeless hits and genuine storytelling, will continue to define traditional country music. His decision to step back is a brave acknowledgement of his health, but it does not mean retirement from music entirely.

His emotional appearance at the 2025 ACM Awards, where he delivered a tearful tribute to his wife, Denise Jackson, highlighted the personal toll his health battle has taken, but also the deep support system he relies on. Jackson's focus is now shifting toward his family, his advocacy for CMT research, and potentially recording new music on his own terms.

Alan Jackson’s transparency about Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease has provided a powerful platform for a little-known condition, turning a personal struggle into a source of public awareness and funding. His final tour is not just a goodbye, but a celebration of a monumental career, proving that even with a degenerative nerve condition, the power of his music remains undiminished.