Watch the video at the end of this article.
Introduction
At 66, country music legend Alan Jackson has finally revealed a long-kept secret about his health. “I didn’t want anyone to feel sorry for me… but it’s time to tell the truth,” he said.
For decades, Jackson has been a pillar of country music, known for hits like “Remember When,” “Drive,” and “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning).” He built his career on a foundation of honesty, faith, and Southern grit. However, behind his signature cowboy hat and easy smile, he was quietly battling a private health condition.
In an emotional interview, Alan finally disclosed his diagnosis: “Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT),” a genetic disorder affecting nerves and muscles that causes a slow loss of strength and control. He’s been living with the condition for years.
“It’s been tough. Walking has gotten harder. Standing too long wears me out,” Jackson admitted, his voice steady but his eyes showing the weight of his struggle. “I didn’t want to talk about it at first. I didn’t want pity. I didn’t want the story to be about the disease.”
CMT is a progressive neurological condition that leads to muscle weakness, balance problems, and can even impact a person’s ability to perform. Alan has been quietly managing the symptoms for over a decade. He recalled times he’d trip on stage and play it off, or lean on his mic stand more than he wanted to. “The truth is, I was scared,” he confessed. “Not of the disease itself, but of how it would change how people saw me.”
Now, Alan has found peace with his truth, believing his fans deserve the same honesty he’s always given them in his songs. “I might not be able to tour the way I used to,” he said. “I might slow down. But I’m not going away. This isn’t the end — it’s just a different chapter.”
Fans have responded with an outpouring of love and support, with many saying his courage has only deepened their respect for him. Alan Jackson’s story is now one of incredible resilience—of showing up even when his body is failing and singing through the pain because the message in his music still matters.
“I’ve still got songs in me,” he affirmed. “And as long as I can stand—even if it’s just for a little while—I’ll keep singing.”
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