Country Legend Says Goodbye to Touring, But Not to Music
After more than four decades of shaping the sound of country music, Alan Jackson—one of the genre’s most beloved voices—has officially announced the end of his touring career. At 66, Jackson took his final bow on May 17, 2025, in Milwaukee as part of his aptly named “Last Call: One More for the Road Tour.” But while this may mark the end of his road journey, Jackson isn’t finished just yet. He’s planning one final, deeply personal farewell show in Nashville next summer—a city forever tied to his rise and success.
The End of an Era
Alan Jackson has long been a pillar of traditional country music. With over 35 number-one hits, including classics like “Remember When,” “Drive,” “Chattahoochee,” and “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning),” Jackson’s music has soundtracked weddings, heartbreaks, and quiet moments across America. His ability to weave emotion, storytelling, and authenticity made him a fan favorite and a legend in the industry.
His farewell tour, which began in 2022, gave fans across the country one last chance to see him live—a rare opportunity, especially after the global pandemic sidelined live performances for years.
Health Struggles Come to Light
The decision to retire from touring stems from Jackson’s battle with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease—a progressive neurological disorder that affects muscle function and balance. While he was diagnosed back in 2011, Jackson kept the condition mostly private until recent years, when he began to speak openly about its physical toll.
In interviews, Jackson shared how the disease made performing increasingly difficult. “I have this neuropathy and neurological disease,” he explained. “It’s genetic, and I inherited it from my daddy… It’s been affecting me for years. And it’s getting more and more obvious.” CMT is not life-threatening, but it is degenerative, making stage presence and mobility progressively harder—especially during long tours.
The Nashville Farewell: A Full-Circle Moment
Despite stepping away from touring, Jackson’s love for music and his fans hasn’t wavered. He plans to host one final special performance in Nashville in the summer of 2026—an emotional homecoming in the city where his career first took flight. From humble beginnings working in the mailroom at The Nashville Network to signing with Arista Nashville in 1989, the city has played an integral role in Jackson’s story.
The upcoming farewell show will be more than a concert—it will be a celebration of his legacy, a thank-you to his fans, and a symbolic closing of a remarkable chapter.
Still Writing, Still Singing
Though he’s said goodbye to the road, Alan Jackson has no plans to stop creating. He continues to write music and hinted that new material may be released in the future. “I never wanted to retire from making music,” he said. “Touring is hard, but writing and recording—that’s something I still love. And as long as I can do it, I will.”
His last studio album, Where Have You Gone (2021), was hailed by fans and critics alike as a return to form—a deeply personal and heartfelt record steeped in traditional country sounds.
A Legacy That Will Never Fade
Alan Jackson’s retirement from touring marks the end of an era, but it’s also a moment to celebrate a career filled with timeless music, heartfelt lyrics, and an unwavering dedication to his roots. He has earned nearly every accolade the industry offers—Grammy Awards, CMA and ACM honors, and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2017.
But perhaps his most enduring legacy is the connection he’s forged with his fans—through honesty, humility, and music that speaks directly to the soul.
As the world prepares for one final night with Alan Jackson in Nashville, one thing is certain: legends don’t retire—they live on through the songs that made them unforgettable.
Stay tuned for updates on Jackson’s final Nashville performance, including ticket information and guest appearances. This will be a night no true country fan will want to miss.
