Alan Jackson has been a big part of the country music scene for a long time, with songs like Remember When and Livin’ On Love. Recently, he revealed to his fans that he has been living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). While he has kept his diagnosis to himself for the past ten years, he now wants to let his fans in on his rare disease journey.

Alan’s Story

In an appearance on the TODAY show, Alan revealed that he was diagnosed with CMT a decade ago. His reasoning for publicly speaking about his condition was to explain the changes his fans may notice in his performances. As his CMT has progressed, it has affected his ability to walk and put on a show. In his words,

“I don’t want them to think I’m drunk on stage because I’m having problems with mobility and balance. I have this neuropathy, neurological disease I inherited from my daddy.”

A number of Alan’s family members have been affected by CMT as well, such as his father, sister, and paternal grandmother. Because of this, he knows how the disease impacts people. It’s this experience that pushed him to note that he does not want pity. He simply looks at CMT as a part of who he is, something he lives with.

He’s hopeful that he will be able to continue recording music, as his voice is unaffected, although he isn’t sure how much longer he can tour for. While he wanted to be able to tour well into old age, just as Loretta Lynn and Willie Nelson did, he acknowledges that CMT affects his performance. He has issues with balance and mobility that cannot go ignored.

In the end, he’s glad that he let his fans in on his diagnosis. He was beginning to feel a little self-conscious on stage. Now that his audience knows about his rare disease, he feels less judgment.

About CMT

CMT, also referred to as hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy, is a rare, neurological condition. It is the result of a number of different genetic mutations that depend on which form (CMT1, CMT2, etc.) one has. Regardless of the specific mutation, the result is the deterioration and death of peripheral nerve cells. This goes on to limit communication to the muscles, leading to symptoms like:

• Foot deformities
• Issues with walking and/or fine motor skills
• Weakness and muscle atrophy in the hands
• Lower leg deformities due to loss of muscle
• Weak foot and lower leg muscles
  • This often leads to tripping and foot drop

There is no cure for these symptoms, but occupational and physical therapy can be very helpful for patients. Other treatment options are painkillers, surgery, and orthopedic devices.

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