Country music icon Alan Jackson has recently provided an update on his ongoing battle with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a neurological disorder he inherited from his father. Speaking about his decade-long struggle in a 2021 interview with Today, the 65-year-old singer revealed, “It’s not going to kill me. It’s not deadly. But it’s related [to] muscular dystrophy and Parkinson’s disease.”

CMT, described by John Hopkins Medicine as an inherited disorder affecting nerves in the feet, legs, hands, and arms, has also affected Jackson’s grandmother and older sister. The singer acknowledged the increasing impact of the disease on his ability to perform, stating, “It’s getting more and more obvious. And I know I’m stumbling around on stage.”

Despite the challenges, Jackson’s wife, Denise, remains his unwavering support. Married since 1979, Denise has played a crucial role in his career, even connecting him with the late Glen Campbell early on. Jackson expressed his gratitude, saying, “He gave her his business card for his publishing company. This connection led me down the path that brought me to where I am today.”

In a heartwarming tribute at the 2022 CMA Awards, Jackson acknowledged Denise’s enduring support, stating, “We’ve survived a lot.” Despite his health challenges, Jackson embarked on the Last Call: One More for the Road Tour in 2022, emphasizing it’s not a farewell but a continuation of his music journey. Jackson shared, “I don’t want people to be sad for me; it’s just part of life. It’s just good to put it out there in the open.”