Country Legend Alan Jackson Says Goodbye to the Road — But Not to Music
An era in country music is coming to a close. Alan Jackson, one of the most iconic voices in the genre’s history, is officially stepping away from the stage.
A Heartfelt Farewell on the Road
At 66, the Grammy-winning country superstar brought his “Last Call: One More for the Road” tour to an emotional close on Saturday night in Milwaukee. It marked the final road performance of his legendary career.
“You might’ve heard I’m winding things down,” Jackson told fans during the show. “In fact, this is my last roadshow of my career… Y’all gonna make me tear up out here.”
Jackson confirmed he has one more show left — a grand finale planned for next summer in Nashville, the city where his music journey began. “I just felt like I had to end it all where it started,” he said.
A Health Battle Behind the Scenes
Jackson’s retirement from touring comes after years of quietly managing serious health issues. In 2021, he publicly revealed he’s been living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a genetic neurological disorder that impacts muscle strength and balance. While not life-threatening, the condition has made performing more difficult as time goes on.
“I’ve had it for years. It’s getting more and more obvious,” he shared during a candid Today interview. “I know I’m stumbling around stage now… I just feel very uncomfortable.”
The condition runs in Jackson’s family — his grandmother and sister both have it — and he says he’s relieved to finally talk openly about it. “If anybody’s curious why I don’t walk right, that’s why.”
Still Writing, Still Creating
Though he’s stepping off the stage, Jackson isn’t saying goodbye to music completely. On his daughter Mattie Jackson’s podcast In Joy Life, he shared that songwriting still calls to him.
“I’m always scribbling down ideas and thinking about melodies… I feel like there’ll be more music to come,” he said. “The creative part still jumps out every now and then.”
For Jackson, the writing process is what fuels his passion most. “Being a singer and going out and touring is great, but writing songs — that’s more fulfilling than anything.”
A True American Dream
Reflecting on his 40-year career, Jackson expressed deep gratitude to his fans and to his wife, Denise, who was by his side from the very beginning.
“We drove to Nashville with an old U-Haul chasing a dream,” he told the Milwaukee crowd. “It’s been a long, sweet ride. I lived the American dream for sure. So blessed.”
As fans prepare for his final Nashville show, one thing is clear: Alan Jackson’s impact on country music will never fade. From timeless hits like Chattahoochee and Remember When to heartfelt ballads and foot-stomping anthems, he’s given generations of fans memories that will last a lifetime.
What are your favorite Alan Jackson memories or songs? Share your thoughts in the comments — and don’t forget to pass this along to spread some love for a true country legend.
