Written by Geoff Case, digital editor

In 2021, Alan Jackson, an icon of country music, shared that he had been diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT)—an announcement that has helped increase public awareness of this degenerative nerve condition. His upcoming 2024/2025 tour will drive awareness of CMT and raise vital funds to aid research.

Jackson, 65, was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2017 and has had 26 number-one hits on the Billboard country singles charts.

However, performing has become more difficult for this extraordinary artist in recent years. Speaking on theToday programme in 2021, Jackson, 62, opened up about how Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease has affected his ability to walk and to balance on stage.

“I have this neuropathy and neurological disease,” he said. “It’s genetic that I inherited from my daddy … There’s no cure for it, but it’s been affecting me for years. And it’s getting more and more obvious. And I know I’m stumbling around on stage. And now I’m having a little trouble balancing, even in front of the microphone, and so I just feel very uncomfortable.”

According to the CMT Research Foundation (CMTRF), Charcot-Marie-Tooth encompasses a group of inherited, chronic peripheral neuropathies. The condition results in the deterioration of peripheral nerves that control sensory information and muscle function of the foot, lower leg, hand and forearm. This may lead to significant problems with movement, touch and balance as the condition progresses.

There’s no cure for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, but therapies are available to help reduce symptoms and enable people to live as independently as possible.

Jackson’s upcoming tour, the “Last Call Tour”, is an opportunity for fans to enjoy his neotraditional country style, and it is also a valuable gift to all those affected by CMT: Jackson will donate one dollar from every ticket sold to the CMTRF, to help raise awareness and drive research. This generosity will be bolstered by the commitment of a generous group of CMTRF donors who will match Jackson’s donation.

Cleary Simpson is chief executive officer of the CMTRF. She said: “The continued support of Alan Jackson’s Tour amplifies our reach and intensifies our efforts in the battle against CMT. This unique partnership merges Alan’s musical legacy with our commitment to advancing CMT research.

 “The generous matching of funds by our donors not only doubles the impact but also reinforces the solidarity and commitment of our community towards this cause.”

“Each ticket sold is a lighthouse of hope for thousands affected by CMT. Through Alan’s tour, we not only raise funds but also elevate understanding of this disease, which is crucial for our ongoing research and outreach efforts.”

“Each ticket sold is a lighthouse of hope for thousands affected by CMT.”

Since its founding, CMTRF has raised more than $17 million and funded numerous projects to advance scientific research, with each project being carefully selected based on its potential to achieve clinical and commercial success.

To find out more about CMT and the work of the CMTRF, visit:cmtrf.orgTickets and a full listing of concert dates are available atalanjackson.com/tour

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