Alan Jackson is thoroughly enjoying his farewell tour, prompting him to extend his time on the road.
The 65-year-old country music icon announced on Thursday, May 30, that he would be adding more dates to his Last Call Tour, despite his continuing health issues.
“I’ve been on tour for over 30 years—my daughters have grown up, we have one grandchild and another on the way,” Jackson shared in a statement on Thursday regarding his decision to extend the tour. “I enjoy more time at home now. However, my fans consistently turn out ready to have fun, and I’m committed to delivering the best show possible for this Last Call.”
Jackson, who has three daughters with his wife, Denise, launched the tour in 2022, playing to packed houses in sold-out venues from coast to coast. The 2024-2025 leg of the tour will include performances in 10 arenas across the United States, with each concert being the final performance he will give in those cities and their surrounding areas. Tickets for these shows will go on sale June 7, with an early presale available for members of Jackson’s fan club through his website.
“Fans know that when they come to my shows, they’re going to hear the songs that define me,” he said about his tour announcement, “the ones they love.”
The Grammy-winning artist launched his career with his debut album, “Here in the Real World,” in 1990. Since then, he has risen to become one of the most successful country stars ever, selling over 40 million albums worldwide and securing the title of Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year three times.
In September 2021, Jackson disclosed that he had been diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a genetic disorder that impacts the nervous system. This condition progressively leads to muscle tissue loss and diminished sensation in the arms and legs, and it can also cause issues with balance and mobility.
“I have this neuropathy and neurological disease,” Jackson shared during an interview on the “Today” show. “It’s genetic, inherited from my father. There’s no cure for it, but it has been affecting me for years, and its impact is becoming increasingly apparent.”
Jackson pointed out that although the disease does not affect life expectancy, it can significantly hinder movement, which is challenging for someone accustomed to performing on stage regularly.
“I’ve been hesitant to discuss this publicly and with my fans,” he explained while talking about the disorder, which also impacted his grandmother and sister. “It’s called CMT, which is ironic, given that CMT also played a significant role in my career.”
Despite his health challenges, Jackson remained active on the road, launching his Last Call Tour in 2022.
“I’ve always looked up to my heroes like George Jones, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, and Charley Pride, who performed as much as they wanted for as long as they could,” he stated following the tour announcement. “I’ve always wanted to follow in their footsteps, and I will continue as long as my health permits. I’ll do as much as I can, but if I’m headed your way, come see me.”
