If you’ve watched Alan Jackson perform lately, you might have noticed something. Maybe he’s leaning a bit more on the mic stand. Or perhaps his gait as he walks across the stage isn't quite as steady as it was when "Chattahoochee" was ruling the airwaves.
For years, people speculated. Was he just getting older? Was he tired of the road?
The truth came out in 2021 during an emotional interview on the Today show. Alan Jackson finally answered the question fans had been whispering about for a decade: What sickness does Alan Jackson have? He isn't dying, but he is dealing with a progressive, degenerative condition called Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, or CMT.
It’s a mouthful of a name for a disease that has fundamentally changed the way the country music legend lives his life. Honestly, it's a bit of a relief to many that he spoke up. He didn't want people thinking he was "drunk on stage" because he was stumbling. He was just losing the ability to feel his feet.
The Lowdown on Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
So, what is this exactly? Despite the name, it has absolutely nothing to do with your teeth. It’s actually named after the three doctors who first described it back in 1886: Jean-Martin Charcot, Pierre Marie, and Howard Henry Tooth.
Basically, CMT is a group of inherited disorders that cause nerve damage. This damage is mostly in your arms and legs. It messes with the peripheral nerves—the ones that carry signals from your brain to your muscles and back.
Imagine a guitar cable where the rubber insulation is fraying. The signal gets fuzzy. Sometimes it doesn't get through at all. That’s what’s happening to Alan’s nerves.
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In Alan’s case, it’s a genetic hand-me-down. He inherited it from his father, who got it from his own mother. Alan’s oldest sister has it too. It’s a family legacy that nobody really wants, but it’s the reality they live with.
The disease is progressive. That means it doesn't stay the same; it gets worse over time. While it isn't fatal, it is frustrating. It causes:
- Muscle weakness in the feet and legs.
- Loss of balance (the reason for the "stumbling").
- High arches and curled toes (hammertoes).
- Difficulty with fine motor skills in the hands.
Why Alan Jackson Kept It Secret for a Decade
Alan was actually diagnosed way back in 2011. He kept it under wraps for ten years.
Can you blame him?
When you’re a superstar whose brand is built on being a tall, sturdy, quintessential country boy, admitting your legs are failing you is tough. He admitted he felt "uncomfortable" and "self-conscious" on stage.
But by 2021, the symptoms were getting too obvious to ignore. He was having trouble balancing even while standing still in front of the microphone. He decided it was time to be transparent.
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He told Jenna Bush Hager, "I’ve had a wonderful, beautiful life. I’ve been so blessed. It’s just good to put it out there in the open."
The "Last Call" and What 2026 Holds
Fast forward to now. It’s 2026, and the "Last Call: One More for the Road" tour is reaching its final, emotional crescendo.
Alan made it official: he’s retiring from the road. His body just can't keep up with the demands of a full-scale tour anymore. The "Finale" is set for June 27, 2026, at Nashville's Nissan Stadium.
It’s going to be huge. We’re talking over 50,000 fans and a lineup of friends like Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, and Eric Church. But it’s bittersweet. It marks the end of an era for one of the most prolific songwriters in the genre.
Even though he’s stepping back from touring, Alan hasn't stopped working. He’s used his platform to raise massive awareness for CMT. A dollar from every ticket sold for his final show goes directly to the CMT Research Foundation. He’s turned his personal struggle into a way to find a cure for the next generation.
Managing the Unmanageable
There is no cure for CMT. Not yet, anyway.
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Treatment is mostly about management. Alan likely uses a combination of physical therapy and perhaps orthotics (braces) to help with his stability. Some patients require surgery to correct foot deformities, but for a performer, the main goal is just staying upright and moving.
It's important to realize that while his legs are weak, his voice is as strong as ever. CMT doesn't typically affect the brain or the respiratory system in a way that would stop him from singing.
He’s still the same Alan Jackson. He just moves a little slower.
What You Should Know About CMT
If you or someone you love is experiencing similar symptoms—tripping often, high arches, or "clumsiness" that seems to be getting worse—here are some actionable steps:
- See a Neurologist: CMT is often misdiagnosed as simple neuropathy or even just "getting old." A specialist can perform an EMG (electromyography) or genetic testing to confirm.
- Genetic Counseling: Since it's hereditary, knowing your specific type of CMT (like CMT1A) is crucial for understanding how it might affect your children.
- Physical Therapy is Key: Strengthening the muscles you can still control helps compensate for the ones you’re losing.
- Support Groups: Organizations like the Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation (HNF) or the CMT Association (CMTA) provide resources that make the journey feel a lot less lonely.
Alan Jackson’s journey shows that a diagnosis isn't an immediate end—it's just a change in direction. He’s finishing his touring career on his own terms, surrounded by family and fans, proving that while his nerves might be frayed, his spirit is still solid as a rock.
To stay updated on Alan's final shows or to support the cause, you can visit the official CMT Research Foundation website to see how clinical trials are progressing in 2026.