Country Superstar Alan Jackson Reveals Heartbreaking Diagnosis

Country icon Alan Jackson announced on TODAY that he is battling a neurological condition. The Grammy-winning songwriter was recently diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease. 

“I have this neuropathy and neurological disease,” Jackson said. “It’s genetic that I inherited from my daddy … There’s no cure for it, but it’s been affecting me for years. And it’s getting more and more obvious. And I know I’m stumbling around on stage. And now I’m having a little trouble balancing, even in front of the microphone, and so I just feel very uncomfortable.”

“It’s Been Affecting Me For Years”

Ten years ago, country music superstar Alan Jackson was diagnosed with a degenerative nerve condition affecting his walking ability. Now, for the first time, he opens up about his health struggles to @JennaBushHager. pic.twitter.com/IkrQOeixjR

— TODAY (@TODAYshow) September 28, 2021

The disease is not life-threatening, and Alan Jackson says he still plays to tour and record music. 

“I never wanted to do the big retirement tour, like people do, then take a year off and then come back,” Jackson said. “I think that’s kinda cheesy. And I’m not saying I won’t be able to tour. I’ll try to do as much as I can.”

We will keep Alan in our prayers. 

What is Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT)?

Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, commonly called CMT, is a hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy of the peripheral nervous system.

CMT is characterized by progressive loss of muscle tissue and touch sensation across the body. Affecting about one in 2500 people, CMT is the most common inherited neurological disease. 

There is no cure for the disease. Treatment mainly revolves around physical therapy. Strength training, stretching, and aerobic exercise are vital in ensuring the quality of life for those with CMT.

Alan Jackson’s Best Songs 

The 62-year-old Jackson is one of country music’s most successful stars. He has sold more than 75 million records. Sixty-six of his songs have charted, with 35 of those reaching number one. 

Jackson is known for high-energy honky-tonk songs.

And, this “Good Time.”

Perhaps his best-known song is his tribute to 9/11, “Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning).”

Alan is known for catchy and straightforward lyrics. His range and focus on traditional country music when so many people went rock or pop are testaments to his skill as a performer. 

Not only that, but Alan Jackson’s mullet back in the day was POWERFUL. I mean, LOOK AT THIS THING: 

 At the 1999 CMAs, Jackson, in protest for the show refusing to allow George Jones to sing the full version of his song “Choices,” decided to add Jones’ song into his performance.  

Jackson certainly wasn’t a “Bad Boy” of country, but he knew how to ruffle feathers and have a good time. At the 1994 ACM Awards, he ditched the tuxedo for an amazing Hank Williams song. The choice bewildered show producer Dick Clark. 

The interview is a good reminder that Jackson still has a great sense of humor and a positive outlook on life. Here’s hoping he can still perform for years to come. 

Share your favorite Alan Jackson song in the comments below.