Introduction
At 66, Alan Jackson FINALLY Opens Up About the Disease He’s Been Hiding for Years
“I didn’t want anyone to feel sorry for me… but it’s time to tell the truth.”
For decades, Alan Jackson stood tall as one of country music’s most consistent, down-to-earth voices. With hits like “Remember When”, “Drive”, and “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)”, he built a legacy on honesty, faith, and southern strength.
But behind the music, behind the signature hat and easy smile, Jackson was fighting a private battle — one he kept quiet for far too long.
Now, at 66, he’s finally breaking the silence.
“I’ve been diagnosed with Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease, and I’ve had it for years,” Alan admitted in an emotional interview. “It’s a genetic disorder that affects your nerves and muscles. Slowly, you lose strength… and control.”
His voice didn’t tremble when he said it — but his eyes did.
“It’s been tough. Walking has gotten harder. Standing too long wears me out. I’ve had to adjust, and 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.”
Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT) is a progressive neurological condition that affects the peripheral nerves — leading to muscle weakness, balance problems, and even difficulty performing on stage. Alan has been quietly dealing with its symptoms for over a decade.
“There were times I tripped on stage and brushed it off,” he said. “Times I had to lean more on the mic stand than I wanted to. The truth is, I was scared — not of the disease itself, but of how it would change how people saw me.”
But in recent years, Alan has made peace with the truth. He knows his fans deserve honesty — the same honesty he’s given them in song after song.
“I might not be able to tour the way I used to. 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 overwhelming outpouring of love and support. Many say his courage in speaking out has only deepened their respect for him.
Alan Jackson’s story is no longer just about the music.
It’s about resilience. About showing up even when your legs shake.
About singing through the pain — because the message still matters.
“I’ve still got songs in me,” he said. “And as long as I can stand — even if it’s just for a little while — I’ll keep singing.”