Alan Jackson Opens Up About His 15-Year Health Battle Ahead of Emotional Final Concert in Nashville

Country music legend Alan Jackson is preparing to take the stage one final time, closing an extraordinary touring career while reflecting on a health battle that has quietly shaped much of the past 15 years of his life.

The 67-year-old singer will headline “Last Call: One More for the Road — The Finale” on June 27, 2026, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. The sold-out concert marks the end of Jackson’s full-length touring career and brings his journey back to the city where it all began.

Alan Jackson’s Farewell Concert Marks the End of an Era

For millions of country music fans, the Nashville concert represents far more than a farewell performance—it is the celebration of one of the most successful and influential careers in modern country music.

Source: Getty Images

Jackson’s final concert will feature an impressive lineup of country music stars, including Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, George Strait, Lainey Wilson, Little Big Town, Thomas Rhett, Jake Owen, Jon Pardi, Lee Ann Womack, Cody Johnson, Riley Green, and members of Jackson’s own family.

The concert is being filmed for an NBC primetime television special titled “Alan Jackson: The Last Show,” with streaming on Peacock scheduled to follow. An official broadcast date has not yet been announced.

A Health Battle That Began Long Before Fans Knew

Although many fans first learned about Jackson’s condition in 2021, his battle actually began much earlier.

Alan Jackson revealed that he was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease in 2011 but chose to keep the diagnosis private for nearly a decade.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is an inherited neurological disorder that damages peripheral nerves responsible for controlling muscles and sensation.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the condition commonly causes:

• Progressive muscle weakness
• Difficulty walking
• Balance problems
• Loss of feeling in the feet and legs
• Reduced muscle control in the hands and arms

Although the disease is not considered fatal, there is currently no cure, and symptoms typically worsen gradually over time.

Performing Became Increasingly Difficult

When Jackson publicly discussed his diagnosis during a 2021 television interview, he explained that fans had already begun noticing changes during his performances.

The country star admitted that he had started stumbling on stage and was experiencing increasing difficulty maintaining his balance, even while standing at the microphone.

Source: Getty Images

Despite those challenges, Jackson chose to continue performing for years.

He explained that while the condition had steadily progressed, his passion for music and appreciation for his fans motivated him to remain on the road as long as possible.

At the same time, he acknowledged that the disease would eventually make touring impossible.

Why Nashville Was the Only Place to Say Goodbye

When Jackson announced plans for one final full-length concert, he immediately knew where it had to take place.

The singer has repeatedly said that ending his touring career in Nashville felt like bringing his remarkable journey full circle because Music City is where his professional career truly began.

Reflecting on the milestone, Jackson shared that his career had taken him farther than he ever imagined and that he could not think of a better place to celebrate with fans and longtime friends.

For many supporters, Nashville represents not only the birthplace of Jackson’s career but also the city where countless country music memories were created.

More Time with Family

Another important factor behind Jackson’s decision to retire from touring has been his desire to spend more time with loved ones.

He and his wife, Denise Jackson, have shared nearly five decades of marriage and raised three daughters together.

In recent years, they have also welcomed grandchildren, giving Jackson a new appreciation for life away from the stage.

The singer has often said that family has become an even greater priority as he enters this new chapter of his life.

Retirement from Touring Does Not Mean Retirement from Music

Although June 27 marks the end of Jackson’s touring career, it does not necessarily mean fans have heard the last of his music.

During a conversation on his daughter Maddie’s podcast, Jackson explained that songwriting remains an important part of his life.

Source: Getty Images

He shared that creative ideas still come naturally and that he continues writing lyrics and thinking about new melodies.

Jackson has expressed hope that he will continue creating music even after stepping away from large-scale touring.

A Career That Defined Traditional Country Music

Over more than three decades, Alan Jackson became one of country music’s most recognizable voices.

His career includes:

• More than 75 million records sold worldwide
• 35 No. 1 singles
• 50 Top 10 hits
• Two Grammy Awards
• 16 CMA Awards
• 17 ACM Awards
• Induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2017

Songs such as “Remember When,” “Chattahoochee,” “Livin’ on Love,” “Drive (For Daddy Gene),” “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” and “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” have become lasting classics that continue to resonate with audiences across generations.

Throughout his career, Jackson remained committed to traditional country music, earning admiration from fellow artists and fans alike.

A Legacy That Will Live On

As Alan Jackson prepares for one final performance in Nashville, emotions are running high among fans who have followed his remarkable journey for decades.

His farewell concert is not simply the conclusion of a tour—it is a celebration of a lifetime devoted to authentic country music, unforgettable songwriting, and an enduring connection with audiences around the world.

Source: Getty Images

While Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease ultimately influenced his decision to retire from touring, Jackson has made it clear that gratitude—not sadness—is the emotion he wants fans to remember.

For millions of listeners, his songs have become part of life’s biggest moments, and his influence on country music will continue long after the final encore.

As the lights come up at Nissan Stadium for one last time, Alan Jackson will not only be closing a remarkable chapter of his own career—he will also be celebrating a legacy that has helped shape country music for generations to come.