NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Country music legend Alan Jackson, 66, bid farewell to touring with a poignant final performance in Milwaukee on Saturday, marking the end of a three-decade career that solidified his status as a pillar of the genre. The milestone follows his 2023 announcement to retire from the road amid a decade-long battle with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder affecting his mobility.
Jackson’s “Last Call: One More for the Road Tour” initially slated as a farewell, was extended due to overwhelming fan demand. However, the Grammy-winning artist confirmed Saturday’s show as his last major road performance, reserving a “big finale” for Nashville in 2024. “This is my final roadshow, but we’ll wrap it all up where it began—right here in Nashville,” Jackson told the Milwaukee crowd, his voice tinged with emotion in a fan-shared video. “It’s been a long, sweet ride. Forty years ago, my wife and I chased this dream in a U-Haul trailer. I’ve lived the American dream.”
Health Struggles and Resilience
Jackson revealed his Charcot-Marie-Tooth diagnosis in 2021, explaining that the condition—inherited from his father—has progressively impaired his balance and motor skills. “It’s genetic, with no cure. It’s gotten harder to hide,” he shared during a 2021 Today show interview. “I’ve felt self-conscious onstage, stumbling even at the microphone. But being open about it is a relief.”
Despite these challenges, Jackson emphasized his determination to honor fans. “I’m going to give them the best show,” he vowed last year, a promise echoed throughout his tour’s extension.
Legacy and Future Creativity
Though stepping back from touring, Jackson hinted at new music during a 2023 appearance on his daughter Mattie’s In Joy Life podcast. “I’m always scribbling ideas. Creating music fulfills me in a way touring no longer does,” he said, contrasting the repetitive nature of performances with the freshness of songwriting.
With over 75 million albums sold and timeless hits like “Chattahoochee” and “Livin’ on Love,” Jackson’s influence on country music remains indelible. Representatives for the artist did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding his upcoming Nashville finale or health updates.
As fans and peers reflect on his contributions, Jackson’s journey—from a U-Haul trailer to global stardom—stands as a testament to perseverance, artistry, and the enduring power of storytelling through song.
