For more than four decades, Alan Jackson has been the voice of honest country storytelling — the man who gave life to “Remember When,” “Drive,” and “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning).” But behind his calm smile and smooth Southern voice lies a personal struggle that has quietly shaped his final years on stage.
Alan has been living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a hereditary neurological disorder that affects the nerves controlling movement and sensation in the limbs. He first revealed his diagnosis in 2021, explaining that the condition had been slowly robbing him of balance and strength. “It’s not deadly,” he said gently, “but it’s disabling… and it’s getting more and more obvious.”
CMT has made walking and performing increasingly difficult, forcing Alan to scale back his tours. Yet, true to his humble faith and resilient spirit, he chose not to hide from the world. Instead, he continues to perform — sometimes with visible pain — to remind fans that the heart of country music is about truth, endurance, and grace.
Those who’ve seen him on his “Last Call: One More for the Road” tour know that every note carries a deeper meaning now. Each song feels like a letter of gratitude — to his fans, his family, and to the simple American life he’s always sung about.
Alan Jackson’s courage in facing CMT has inspired thousands living with the same condition. By sharing his journey, he shines a light on a little-known disease and proves that even when the body weakens, the spirit — and the song — never truly fade.