Alan Jackson has been diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, a hereditary neurological disorder that affects the motor and sensory nerves primarily in the arms and legs. This degenerative nerve condition causes progressive loss of muscle tissue, leading to difficulties with balance, mobility, and muscle control, which has increasingly affected his ability to perform onstage
. Jackson revealed in 2021 that he had known about his diagnosis for about 10 years but chose to go public as the symptoms became more noticeable during performances. He explained that the disease is genetic, inherited from his late father, and also affected his paternal grandmother and sister. Despite its disabling effects, CMT is not fatal or life-shortening
. The symptoms Jackson experiences include stumbling, trouble balancing even while standing at the microphone, and visible mobility challenges. He emphasized that these issues are due to his illness and not other causes, such as intoxication
. Although there is no cure for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, it can be managed with supportive therapies like physical rehabilitation. Jackson has continued to tour and perform, expressing gratitude for his life and the support of his family, while acknowledging that the disease will eventually limit his ability to perform
. In summary, Alan Jackson's illness is Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a progressive hereditary neuropathy that impairs muscle function and balance, significantly impacting his mobility and stage performance but not threatening his life
