Alan Jackson Extends Farewell Tour as He Struggles With Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

Alan Jackson performs on stage at Bridgestone Arena on October 08, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee
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Fans can get one last glimpse of country star Alan Jackson before he heads into a well-deserved retirement. Jackson, who began his farewell tour in 2022, has now announced that he plans to extend his tour dates even though he is still battling health issues. Jackson was diagnosed with a degenerative nerve condition called Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease in 2011, a genetic disease that he inherited from his father. Unfortunately, there is no cure and as he gets older, he struggles more with balance, which makes performing even more difficult.

“Fans know when they come to my shows, they’re going to hear the songs that made me who I am – the ones they love I’ve been touring for over 30 years — my daughters are all grown, we have one grandchild and one on the way,” the 65-year-old said in a new statement. “I’m enjoying spending more time at home. But my fans always show up to have a good time, and I’m going to give them the best show I can for this ‘Last Call.’”

 

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Although this means the end of the road for Jackson’s tours, it doesn’t mean he is truly hanging up the microphone. Jackson revealed last year that he plans to continue to work on new music in the coming years. He shared that while touring consists of singing the same songs over and over, writing and recording new music is a challenge that keeps him going.

Singer Alan Jackson performs onstage during the 37th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards May 22, 2002 at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, CA

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“I’m always scribbling down ideas and thinking about melodies,” he explained. “I feel like there’ll be some more music to come; yes, I may not have toured much, but again … like I said, the creative part jumps out every now and then. [Writing songs] is more fulfilling than anything.”

Alan Jackson performs at US Cellular Coliseum on May 9, 2015 in Bloomington, Illinois.

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Tell us, have you ever seen Jackson on tour, or are you planning to attend one of his final shows?

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