Introduction
Alan Jackson’s Poignant Farewell: A Legend Takes His Final Bow
Nashville, Tennessee — The world of country music is reeling as beloved icon Alan Jackson announces his official retirement from live performances. At 66, the Country Music Hall of Famer has revealed that his ongoing battle with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, a progressive neurological disorder, has made it impossible for him to continue performing. Known for timeless hits like “Chattahoochee,” “Remember When,” and “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning),” Jackson’s heartfelt music and unmistakable voice defined generations of country fans.
Jackson’s final concert is scheduled for May 17, 2025, at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena—a venue he has filled countless times throughout his four-decade career. This farewell performance, titled One Last Call: Alan Jackson’s Farewell, will mark the end of an era in American music. Since his debut album Here in the Real World in 1990, Jackson has released 21 studio albums, sold over 75 million records, and achieved 35 No. 1 hits. His music—grounded in tradition, sincerity, and Southern values—earned him 16 CMA Awards, three Grammys, and the admiration of fans across the globe.
Jackson first shared his diagnosis with the public in 2021, explaining that while CMT was not life-threatening, it affected his balance and muscle strength. Even as the disease progressed, he continued performing, often seated but vocally strong, determined to give his fans every last note he could muster. But in a heartfelt June 2025 statement, Jackson admitted the illness had finally outpaced his ability to take the stage. “This illness has taken more than I ever imagined. I’ve always said I’d perform as long as I could give my fans what they deserve—and that time has passed.”
As fans prepare for his final show, tributes have poured in from across the industry. Artists like George Strait, Reba McEntire, and Miranda Lambert have called him a guiding light. Ticket proceeds from the farewell concert will go toward the CMT Research Foundation, a cause close to Jackson’s heart. While the man himself may be stepping away, Alan Jackson’s music and legacy will echo forever in the hearts of fans who found comfort, joy, and truth in every word he sang.