Tough news about the health of Alan Jackson

Yesterday Alan Jackson revealed he has a neurological disease called Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disorder. He’s had it for a while but waited until now to say something because it’s affecting how he moves on stage, and he wants people to know why.

The disease is (ironically) known as CMT and it affects the nerves and muscles and gets worse over time.

He said, quote, “I’ve been reluctant to talk about it, but it’s been awhile and it’s starting to affect my performance on stage, and I want [everyone] to know. I don’t want people thinking I’m drunk on stage because I’m having problems with mobility and balance.”

It’s a disease that runs in the family. Quote, “My daddy had it and [my] grandmother had it, and my sister who’s ten years older than me has it, and she doesn’t get around too good now. It’s been affecting me for years, and it’s getting more and more obvious…I just want people to know that’s why I look like I do if they’re wondering. I don’t want to appear like some whiny celebrity.”

It’s not fatal but it will eventually disable him. Quote, “I don’t want people to be sad for me at all . . . it’s just part of life. I’ve had a wonderful, beautiful life. I’ve been so blessed. It’s just good to put it out there in the open.” Alan is 62.

Here’s the portion of the “Today” interview where he revealed the news: