Alan Jackson, the beloved figure in country music, has bravely opened up about his battle with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a genetic neurological disorder impacting his balance and mobility. As he gears up for his farewell concert tour, highlighting and supporting CMT research has become a mission close to his heart. This piece explores the intricacies of CMT, Jackson’s personal journey, the details of his upcoming concert, the symptoms to watch for, and the current treatment options available for this challenging disorder.

What is Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) Disease?

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, or CMT, stands as one of the most common inherited neurological conditions, affecting around 126,000 individuals in the United States and millions globally.

First identified by three physicians in 1886, CMT primarily targets the peripheral nerves responsible for muscle movement and sensation. The condition typically begins with symptoms in the feet and lower legs, gradually extending to the hands and arms over time. It results in muscle weakness, sensory loss, pain, and balance difficulties. While it does not shorten life expectancy, the severity and progression of CMT can differ widely due to the genetic variations at its core.

Alan Jackson made his CMT diagnosis public in 2021, revealing that he had been dealing with symptoms for more than ten years. He candidly shared the struggles stemming from nerve degeneration, which manifest as worsening balance issues and muscle weakness, significantly affecting his stage performances. Despite these challenges, Jackson underscores that CMT is not life-threatening, although it greatly hampers his mobility and comfort. He spoke openly about the discomfort of stumbling and balancing, even while performing on stage, highlighting the often unseen yet very real difficulties faced by those living with CMT.

Alan Jackson’s Experience with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

In a touching gesture that intertwines both his professional and personal paths, Alan Jackson has announced his final full-length concert, “Last Call: One More for the Road – The Finale,” slated for June 27, 2026, at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium. This event is set to be a grand farewell performance and a fundraising effort for CMT research. A portion of the ticket sales will support the CMT Research Foundation, contributing to advancements in treatment for this incurable disease. Jackson expressed a desire to wrap up his touring in the place where his career began, seeing it as a unique opportunity to pay tribute to his fans while supporting a cause that is deeply personal to him.

Alan Jackson’s Farewell Concert to Support CMT Research

In a poignant move symbolizing both his career and personal journey, Alan Jackson announced his final full-length concert titled “Last Call: One More for the Road – The Finale,” scheduled for June 27, 2026, at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium. The event promises not only a grand farewell performance but also aims to raise funds and awareness for CMT research. A portion of ticket sales will benefit the CMT Research Foundation, helping to advance treatment innovations for this incurable disease. Jackson expressed his wish to conclude his touring where his career began, calling it a special opportunity to honor fans and support a cause deeply personal to him.​

5 CMT Symptoms to Watch For

Recognizing CMT early can make a difference in managing symptoms effectively. Here are five subtle but important signs you should not ignore:

• Progressive muscle weakness, especially in the feet, legs, hands, and arms.

• Difficulty maintaining balance or frequent tripping and stumbling.

• High arches in the feet (pes cavus) or curled toes, often accompanied mby uscle wasting.

• Numbness or sensory loss in the extremities.

• Muscle cramps and pain result from nerve damage and skeletal changes.

These symptoms may develop slowly and can be mistaken for other conditions. Awareness and early consultation with a neurologist can guide appropriate diagnosis and interventions.​

How Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease is Treated

Currently, no cure exists for CMT, but multiple strategies aim to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment usually involves:

• Physical therapy to maintain muscle strength and flexibility.

• Occupational therapy to assist with daily activities and improve hand function.

• Orthopedic devices such as braces, shoe inserts, or splints are used to support proper mobility and foot positioning.

• Pain management, including medications when nerve or musculoskeletal pain becomes significant.

• In some cases, surgery may correct foot deformities or other complications.

Management must be individualized due to the variability of the disease. Advances in genetic research hold promise for future targeted therapies, but supportive care remains essential today.​

Conclusion

Alan Jackson’s openness about his battle with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease brings much-needed visibility to a relatively common yet often overlooked neurological condition. His courage, combined with his farewell concert’s role in supporting research, underscores the importance of awareness, early detection, and ongoing care. Understanding CMT’s symptoms and treatment options empowers patients and families to better navigate this lifelong condition, fostering hope through medical progress and community support.