- Alan Jackson will perform the final full concert of his career on June 27, 2026.
- He’s been battling a nerve disorder that affects his hands and feet.
- The final concert will feature performances from some of the biggest names in modern country music.
Alan Jackson is hanging up his hat and formally retiring from country music after four decades. But why now?
At 67 years old, Alan and his wife of nearly 50 years, Denise, are enjoying life as empty-nesters and recent grandparents. The high school sweethearts raised three daughters together, and they’re likely hoping to bask in the glory of the life they built without the grueling responsibility of being on the road as a touring musician. But there are his health issues, too: Alan revealed several years ago that he’s battling a nerve disorder called Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, and it may have worsened to the point that performing concerts just isn’t realistic anymore.
He’s got a lot to be proud of as he reflects, in addition to his family. The country music star was one of the most iconic performers of the ’90s, never really slowing down after his song “Here in the Real World” charted at No. 3 in 1990. His 1992 smash “Chattahoochee” still breaks airplay records on every boat in America come summer. As a staunch proponent of “keeping it country,” he’ll go down in history books as an artist who never strayed from his traditional country sound.
Why Is Alan Jackson Retiring?
The “Remember When” hitmaker made his health issues public in 2021, revealing to TODAY that he’d been diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT).
“I have this neuropathy and neurological disease. It’s genetic that I inherited from my daddy ... There’s no cure for it, but it's been affecting me for years,” the country star explained at the time. “And it’s getting more and more obvious. And I know I’m stumbling around on stage. And now I’m having a little trouble balancing, even in front of the microphone, and so I just feel very uncomfortable.”
His condition is not deadly and does not affect life expectancy.
What Is Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) Disease?
CMT is a condition that affects nerves and weakens a person’s muscles over time. It’s typically inherited—Alan’s was passed down from his father—but gene changes in the body can be a cause, as well. Symptoms largely affect feet and legs but may spread to hands and arms as the disease worsens, which can be especially problematic for someone who makes a living playing a guitar. It can also cause trouble with speech and swallowing. There is currently no cure.
When Is Alan Jackson’s Final Concert?
Alan Jackson will take the stage one final time as a performer on Saturday, June 27, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Dubbed “Alan Jackson: Last Call — The Finale,” it’s not just a concert, but a celebratory event packed with A-list country names coming to tip their hats to the man who paved the way. In addition to Alan himself, look for both Lukes — Bryan and Combs — George Strait, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Lainey Wilson, Eric Church, and many others to perform. NBC will be filming the event, but an air date has not been announced.
Per Alan’s official site, $3 from every ticket sale will be donated to the CMT Research Foundation, which seeks to find a cure for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
Amanda Hensel Jermstad is a skilled writer based in Austin, Texas. She spent 14 years as Editor-in-Chief of Taste of Country, where she led coverage of the artists, stories and trends shaping country music. With a career deeply rooted in the genre, Amanda has built a reputation for sharp editorial insight and authentic storytelling. Outside of work, she’s a proud mom of three.
