Watch the video at the end of this article.
Introduction
During the 2025 ACM Awards, Alan Jackson delivered a deeply emotional message to his wife, Denise, that left many fans wiping tears away. Jackson, now 66, returned to the stage to accept the first-ever Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award, amid his long-standing battle with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease—a degenerative nerve disorder that has gradually affected his balance, mobility, and performance.
Standing in front of thousands, Jackson paused after performing “Remember When,” its nostalgic notes already stirring hearts. Then, his eyes glistening, he spoke of Denise, whom he has loved since they were teenagers. He described her as his best friend since he was 17 years old, saying she had been with him “through the good and the bad, the happy and the sad.” He thanked her for raising their three daughters, for keeping him grounded through fame and struggle, and for holding up the world he built, side by side with him.
His voice wavered slightly, not from lack of strength but from the weight of many years, many challenges, and many shared memories. This wasn’t the bravado of a star, but the humility of a husband who knows that despite awards, stages, and a lifetime of performance, nothing matters more than those who stand beside you in quiet trials. Jackson’s health condition, which he made public in 2021—but had been affecting him for years—has made performances more difficult. Yet, in that moment, under the glare of stage lights and amid applause, Alan Jackson made something very clear: Denise has been his anchor.
That heartfelt dedication resonated beyond the glitz of the awards show. It reminded everyone watching that behind every stage name is a personal story of love and perseverance. Jackson’s message was more than just gratitude; it was an acknowledgment of partnership—in health and in hardship—that has shaped not only his career but his life. And for many fans, it was a reminder that the greatest strength is often found in the love that holds us up when our own footing grows unsteady.
Video