Alan Jackson’s Health: Living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
Country music legend Alan Jackson has been quietly battling a serious health condition for over a decade — one that’s deeply impacted his life and his ability to perform.
🧠 What Is Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease?
Jackson revealed in a 2021 interview that he’s been diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) — a group of inherited neurological disorders that damage the peripheral nerves, which connect the brain and spinal cord to the muscles and sensory organs.
“It’s been affecting me for years, and it’s getting more and more obvious,” Jackson said in his interview with TODAY.
“I know I’m stumbling around on stage… I just want people to know that’s why I look like I do.”
He inherited the condition from his father, and it has affected other members of his family as well. Jackson was officially diagnosed in 2011.
🩻 Common Symptoms of CMT Include:
Muscle weakness in the feet, legs, hands, and arms
Trouble with balance and coordination
Numbness, tingling, or burning in the limbs
Foot deformities (like high arches or hammertoes)
A distinctive high-stepping gait
Nerve pain and muscle cramps
Decreased sensation in limbs and extremities
The disease progresses slowly over time and symptoms can worsen, making physical tasks more difficult — especially for someone like Jackson, whose career involved standing for hours during performances.
💬 How It’s Affected Alan Jackson
For Jackson, the most visible signs are difficulty standing and walking on stage, and challenges with balance while performing. While his voice remains intact, his movement is affected, leading him to scale back touring and public appearances.
“It’s been affecting me for years.”
Ten years ago, country music superstar Alan Jackson was diagnosed with a degenerative nerve condition affecting his ability to walk. Now, for the first time, he opens up about his health struggles to @JennaBushHager. pic.twitter.com/IkrQOeixjR
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) September 28, 2021
🧬 What Causes It?
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is primarily genetic. If a parent carries the mutated gene, there’s a higher chance their children may develop the condition — although the severity can vary from person to person.
🛠️ Is There a Cure?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for CMT. However, the condition can be managed through:
Physical and occupational therapy
Use of orthopedic devices like braces or custom shoes
Pain management medications for nerve discomfort
In some cases, corrective surgery for foot deformities
❤️ A Message to Fans
Though his performances may look different now, Alan Jackson’s spirit — and his deep connection to fans — remains the same.
“I’m not saying I won’t tour again,” he shared, “but I’ll try to do it as much as I can.”
