Just moments ago, country music fans around the world were met with heartbreaking news out of Newnan, Georgia. At 66 years old, legendary country singer Alan Jackson’s family has released an urgent and deeply emotional statement regarding his current health status.
The statement, shared via Jackson’s official social media accounts and verified by his publicist, confirmed that the Country Music Hall of Famer has been hospitalized due to complications related to his ongoing battle with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a degenerative nerve condition he first publicly revealed in 2021.:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(930x646:932x648)/alan-jackson-denise-jackson-1-9c0e6b0558f04eeeb173ae672f9889e5.jpg)
According to the family, Jackson was rushed to a local hospital earlier today after experiencing sudden difficulty breathing and a loss of motor coordination. “Alan has been bravely fighting the effects of CMT for several years,” the family’s statement reads. “This morning, he experienced an acute episode that required immediate medical intervention. He is currently stable, but in critical care and under close observation.”
Alan Jackson, born in Newnan in 1958, is widely recognized as one of the most influential voices in country music history. With over 75 million records sold worldwide and hits like Chattahoochee, Remember When, and Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning), his music has defined generations and offered comfort in times of national and personal grief.
Jackson’s public announcement in 2021 about his diagnosis of CMT—a hereditary neurological disorder that causes nerve damage, particularly in the limbs—was met with an outpouring of support. While the condition is not life-threatening, it can significantly impact mobility and overall quality of life. Since then, Jackson has limited his public appearances and gradually scaled back his touring schedule, though he continued to record music and make occasional performances when possible
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In the wake of today’s news, tributes and messages of encouragement have flooded social media platforms. Fellow artists, fans, and organizations such as the Grand Ole Opry have extended their well wishes. Country star Brad Paisley posted, “Praying hard for Alan tonight. He’s a hero to us all—onstage and off. Keep fighting, legend.”
Fans outside of Piedmont Newnan Hospital have already begun to gather, leaving flowers and handwritten notes. “Alan Jackson isn’t just a country music star—he’s family to all of us here in Newnan,” said lifelong resident and fan, Clara Morrison. “We’re praying for a full recovery.”
The Jackson family has requested privacy but expressed deep gratitude for the support from fans. “We know how much Alan means to so many people around the world,” the statement said. “Your love, prayers, and respect for our privacy are appreciated more than words can say.”
Over the past few years, Jackson has spoken candidly about the challenges of aging with a chronic illness. In a 2022 interview, he remarked, “I don’t want people to feel sorry for me. I’ve had an incredible life, and I’m grateful every day for the music, the fans, and my family. I’m just trying to live with grace.”
While this sudden turn of events has left fans shaken, the family remains hopeful. Physicians are reportedly optimistic but cautious, emphasizing that the next 48 hours will be critical. “He’s a fighter,” said a family spokesperson. “And he’s surrounded by love.”
Alan Jackson is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Denise Jackson, and their three daughters. Denise, who has been by his side through every stage of his career, is said to be with him now and has asked fans to “lift Alan up in prayer and hold onto hope.”
At this time, no further details have been released regarding long-term prognosis or next steps in his care. A follow-up statement is expected from the family within the next day or two.
As fans light candles and stream his music across the globe, one message is loud and clear: Alan Jackson is not alone in this battle. He has given the world so much through his music, and now the world is rallying behind him in return.
