The centennial celebration of the Grand Ole Opry was more than just a night filled with emotional performances. It also marked another memorable stop on Alan Jackson’s farewell tour. The live concert, held on Wednesday night at both the Grand Ole Opry House and Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, showcased a moving performance from the esteemed Opry member and Grammy-award winning singer-songwriter. Jackson graced the iconic country stage once again to serenade the audience with his 1993 hit “Chattahoochee.”
As part of his “Last Call: One More for the Road Tour,” Jackson, a prolific country superstar, is currently on a farewell tour that kicked off in 2022 and is scheduled to run through 2025. This tour offers fans a final opportunity to witness his legendary performances. However, Jackson’s final tour comes amidst his ongoing battle with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a chronic neuropathy condition he disclosed in 2021.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a group of genetic disorders that impact the nerves connecting the brain and spinal cord to the body. Jackson has been managing the effects of this disease for over a decade, affecting his mobility and balance on stage. In a candid interview with Jenna Bush Hager on the “Today” show in 2021, Jackson shared that he inherited the condition from his father and that it has also affected other family members.
Symptoms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease include numbness, tingling, pain, muscle weakness, and muscle atrophy. The disease can lead to foot deformities and may also affect nerves controlling automatic bodily functions. Muscle weakness typically begins in the feet and lower legs, progressing over time to affect the hands and arms as well. Individuals with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease may exhibit symptoms such as balance issues, foot deformities, muscle weakness, and sensory impairments.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is primarily hereditary, and those affected by the disorder may experience a wide range of symptoms that impact their daily lives.
Individuals with a family history of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease are at a higher risk of developing it. While having the disease does not guarantee that one’s children will inherit it, the risk is increased, as stated by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. However, treatment options such as physical and occupational therapy can assist in symptom management and maintaining a good quality of life. Orthopedic devices, surgical interventions, and prescription medications for severe nerve pain may also be recommended by doctors. The article featuring Alan Jackson performing at Opry 100 amidst his battle with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease was initially published in the Nashville Tennessean.
