Alan Jackson’s Health Battle: Everything To Know About The Degenerative Nerve Condition That Is Ending His Touring Career

Country music icon Alan Jackson has been remarkably open about the health challenge that has significantly impacted his life and career in recent years: Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease. This is a degenerative neurological condition that primarily affects the peripheral nerves, leading to issues with mobility and balance. The legendary singer-songwriter publicly revealed his diagnosis in 2021, but he had been managing the hereditary condition for a decade prior, and as of late 2025, it has become the driving force behind his decision to conclude his touring career.

The latest updates, including his emotional return to the stage in May 2025 and the announcement of his final full-length concert in 2026, confirm that this medical battle is a central part of his current story. For fans who have noticed his reduced mobility on stage, Jackson’s transparency has provided a clear, non-fatal explanation for his physical challenges.

Alan Jackson: A Neotraditional Country Icon Biography

Alan Eugene Jackson is one of the most successful and acclaimed singer-songwriters in country music history, known for his neotraditional style that honors the genre's roots.

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• Full Name: Alan Eugene Jackson
• Born: October 17, 1958
• Birthplace: Newnan, Georgia, U.S.
• Parents: Joseph Eugene "Daddy Gene" Jackson (1927–2000) and Ruth Musick "Mama Ruth" Jackson (1930–2017)
• Spouse: Denise Jackson (m. 1979)
• Children: Three daughters: Mattie, Alexandra, and Dani
• Genre: Neotraditional country, bluegrass, gospel
• Career Highlights: Over 75 million records sold worldwide, 35 No. 1 hits, two Grammy Awards, 16 CMA Awards, and 17 ACM Awards.
• Hall of Fame Inductions: Country Music Hall of Fame (2017), Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (2018), and Grand Ole Opry member since 1991.
• Notable Hits: "Chattahoochee," "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)," "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere," and "Remember When."

Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease: Understanding Alan Jackson’s Condition

The definitive answer to "what does Alan Jackson have" is Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, often abbreviated as CMT. This is a hereditary condition, meaning it is passed down through families, and Jackson has noted that he inherited it from his father, with his paternal grandmother and older sister also having the disease.

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

CMT is classified as a group of inherited neurological disorders, making it the most common inherited neuropathy. It affects the peripheral nerves, which are the nerves outside the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) that control muscle movement and sensation in the limbs.

The disease causes mutations in the genes responsible for the structure or function of these peripheral nerves, leading to their slow degeneration. This nerve damage results in a loss of communication between the brain and the muscles and sensory receptors, primarily in the feet, lower legs, hands, and arms.

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Key Symptoms and Physical Impact

The symptoms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease are progressive and can vary in severity. For Alan Jackson, the most noticeable effects have been on his balance and mobility, which is why he felt compelled to go public with his diagnosis.

Common symptoms of CMT include:

• Muscle Weakness and Atrophy: A loss of muscle bulk, particularly in the lower legs, which can lead to an "inverted champagne bottle" appearance.
• Foot Deformities: High arches and curled toes, known as hammertoes, are typical.
• Balance Problems: Difficulty with stability, leading to stumbling and frequent tripping or falling.
• Foot Drop: Weakness in the foot and lower leg muscles makes it hard to lift the foot at the ankle, causing a high-stepping gait.
• Sensory Loss: Trouble feeling heat, cold, touch, and decreased ability to sense body position.
• Hand Weakness: Progression of the disease can affect the hands, making daily activities like writing or fastening buttons difficult, which is particularly concerning for a guitar-playing artist.

Crucially, Jackson has repeatedly emphasized that while the condition is debilitating and will eventually disable him, it is "not going to kill me" and is "not deadly" or fatal.

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The Final Call: How CMT is Affecting Alan Jackson’s Career and Touring

The progression of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease has had a direct and significant impact on Alan Jackson's touring schedule, leading to the launch of his "Last Call: One More for the Road Tour."

The Decision to Step Away from the Stage

Jackson initially announced his diagnosis in 2021, explaining that the increasing difficulty with balance and mobility on stage was making him "very uncomfortable" and self-conscious. He wanted fans to understand his physical challenges so they wouldn't mistakenly think he was intoxicated while performing.

In the years following the announcement, he resumed his touring, but with the clear understanding that his time on the road was limited. His "Last Call: One More for the Road Tour" was structured as a final opportunity for fans to see him in their respective cities, with dates continuing through 2025.

Recent Updates and The 2026 Finale

The most recent and definitive update on Alan Jackson’s performing career came in late 2025. After completing his 2025 tour dates, the country star announced his plan to play one final, full-length live concert.

• Emotional Return: In May 2025, Jackson made an emotional return to the stage at the 60th Annual Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, where he performed and accepted a lifetime achievement award named in his honor.
• The Final Show: The single, last-ever full concert is scheduled for June 27, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee.
• The Sentiment: Jackson expressed that he "can't think of a better place to put on a big show and give the fans a finale than in Nashville," where his career began.

While the country legend has made it clear that full-scale touring is coming to an end, he has left the door slightly ajar for occasional, one-off performances or appearances in the future, stating he will "do as much as I can."

Living with CMT: Treatment and Hope for the Future

Currently, there is no cure for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a reality Alan Jackson has acknowledged publicly. However, the condition can be managed through supportive therapies aimed at reducing symptoms and maintaining independence.

Management and Support

Treatment for CMT focuses on managing the symptoms and includes a combination of medical and physical support:

• Physical and Occupational Therapy: These therapies help maintain muscle strength, stamina, and flexibility, which is crucial for mobility.
• Orthoses and Walking Aids: Many CMT patients rely on ankle braces (Ankle-Foot Orthoses or AFOs), canes, or other walking aids to support mobility and prevent falls.
• Pain Management: Medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or, in some cases, antidepressants, can be used to control nerve pain.
• Surgery: For severe foot and ankle deformities, surgical procedures like osteotomy can be performed.

Alan Jackson has also used his platform to raise awareness and funds for the condition, donating a portion of his ticket sales to the CMT Research Foundation. While the disease is progressive, organizations like the Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation remain hopeful about the future, citing an "evolving new era" for neurodegenerative diseases with ongoing research into gene therapy and drug treatments.

As Alan Jackson prepares for his final curtain call on the road, his battle with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease has not only explained his physical struggles but also highlighted his dedication to his craft and his fans, ensuring his legacy as a neotraditional country music storyteller remains firmly intact. His final concert in Nashville in 2026 will undoubtedly be a poignant moment, marking the end of an era for one of country's biggest names.