What Disease Does Alan Jackson Have? Inside the Country Star's Health Battle

Alan Jackson has spent decades as one of country music's most beloved stars, but in recent years, fans have become increasingly concerned about the singer's health.

The Country Music Hall of Famer revealed in 2021 that he has Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, an inherited neurological disorder that affects the nerves and gradually impacts balance, coordination and muscle strength.

"I've been reluctant to talk about this publicly and to my fans, but it's been affecting me for years," Jackson said during an appearance on Today at the time.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, often abbreviated as CMT, is a hereditary nerve disorder that primarily affects the arms and legs. Symptoms can include muscle weakness, difficulty walking, balance problems and reduced sensation in the extremities.

Jackson explained that the disease has made performing increasingly difficult.

"And I know I'm stumbling around on stage," he told Today. "And now I'm having a little trouble balancing, even in front of the microphone."

While the condition is progressive and has no cure, it is not typically considered fatal. Many people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease continue living for decades while managing symptoms through therapies, braces, orthopedic devices and other treatments.

Even as his health challenges became more visible, Jackson continued making select public appearances and performances over the past several years, including tributes to Loretta Lynn and Jimmy Buffett.

In 2025, the "Remember When" singer emotionally confirmed that his touring career was coming to an end.

"This is my last road show," Jackson told fans during a May 2025 concert in Milwaukee while discussing his future on the road. "It's been a long, sweet ride."

His final concert, titled Last Call: One More for the Road – The Finale, is scheduled for June 27, 2026, at Nashville's Nissan Stadium and sold out during presales last year after overwhelming demand from fans around the world. The emotional farewell event will feature appearances from major country stars including Carrie Underwood, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Eric Church and Keith Urban.

Although Jackson is stepping away from large-scale touring, he has indicated that he still hopes to make music in the future. During a 2023 appearance on his daughter Mattie Jackson's podcast, the singer said he still regularly writes down song ideas and melodies.

When Mattie asked him, Do you think there's another album for you down the road?", the country star replied, "Yes, I would hope so. I mean, I may not tour much ... but the creative part jumps out every now and then and I'm always scribbling down ideas and thinking about melodies and I feel like there'll be some more music to come."

"Well, I hope so," his daughter replied. "I think everyone else does."

Jackson is also still involved in major projects connected to his legacy. Earlier this year, organizers announced the first-ever Alan Jackson's Five O'Clock Somewhere Fest, a new Florida festival inspired by his hit song "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere." While Jackson is not scheduled to perform at the event, he played a major role in developing the festival concept.

Ella Langley, Old Dominion and Jimmy Buffet's Coral Reefer Band lead the festival's star-packed performance lineup, which also includes Dylan Scott, Clint Black, Shenandoah, John Anderson, Rodney Atkins, Jammy Buffet (a Jimmy Buffett Tribute), Allen Stone and more.

"I've gotten to enjoy so many experiences at my concerts over the years," said Jackson in a statement. "I'm not touring any more, but I like the idea of still being able to give people an opportunity to have a 'Good Time' and enjoy some great country music while they do."

PBS recently confirmed Jackson will appear during the 2026 National Memorial Day Concert in Washington, D.C., giving fans another rare opportunity to see the country icon perform as he prepares to step away from touring for good.

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This story was originally published May 24, 2026 at 12:07 PM.