June 26, 1989 might have seemed like any other day in Nashville, but it was actually one of those watershed moments that only reveal themselves in retrospect.
A struggling young country singer named Alan Jackson signed his first record deal that day and launched one of the most celebrated country music careers of all time.
What were Alan Jackson’s early career years like?
For someone who would go on to such a promising career, Jackson got off to a slow start with her first single, “Blue Blooded Woman,” failing to crack the top 40.
But his next single, “Here in the Real World” — the title track of his debut album — reached the Top 5 and was followed by a rapid succession of hits, including “Wanted,” “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow” and “I’d Love You All Over Again.”
From there, the singer-songwriter has amassed an astonishing 50 Top 10 hits, 26 of which reached No.1.
Jackson has also won several Grammy Awards, CMA Awards and ACM Awards. He is a member of the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry.
The Country Music Hall of Fame inducted Jackson in 2017.
Is Alan Jackson Retiring?
Yes.
The Country Music Hall of Famer has been dealing with a chronic health issue for more than a decade, and it’s getting worse.
Jackson revealed in 2021 that he had been living with a degenerative nerve disease called Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease for a decade at that point. It causes nerve damage, primarily in the arms and legs.
According to Mayo ClinicCharcot-Marie-Tooth disease causes muscle spasms and loss of feeling, making walking challenging.
Jackson’s three daughters are now all grown, and he and his wife, Denise, have two grandchildren, which also influenced his decision to retire from the road.
“… I enjoy spending more time at home,” he said. “But my fans always show up to have fun and I’m going to give them the best show I can for this last call.”
When is Alan Jackson’s last concert?
The last full-length concert performance of Jackson’s career is set for June 27, 2026 at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium.
Billed as Last Call: One More for the Road — The Finale, the show will put a bow on Jackson’s music career.
READ MORE: Alan Jackson’s Nashville Finale Show – Everything We Know
Who will perform at Alan Jackson’s farewell concert?
Luke Bryan, Eric church, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Jon Pardi, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Lee Ann Womack and more to honor the Country Music Hall of Famer.
Will Alan Jackon’s last concert be televised?
Yes, eventually.
Jackson’s final concert will be broadcast on NBC and then streamed on the Peacock.
The premiere date has not yet been announced.
Is Alan Jackson dying?
No.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is not fatal, and it will not shorten Jackson’s life.
However, there is no known cure for the hereditary disease.
Jackson’s grandmother, father and one of his sisters all lived with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
Will Alan Jackson Release More New Music?
Jackson said he was optimistic about releasing more new music in an interview with her daughter, Maddie, about her In-Joy Life podcast in 2023.
“Well, yes. I would hope so,” he told her (quote via People).
“I mean, maybe I haven’t toured that much, but like I said, the creative side pops up every now and then. I’m always writing down ideas and thinking about tunes, and I feel like there’s more music to come, yeah.”
14 country stars living with serious health conditions
Carly Pearce, Mark Chesnutt and Colt Ford have all made headlines recently for serious medical issues, but they’re not the only country stars living with chronic illness.
Gallery credit: Sterling Whitaker
The 30 Best Alan Jackson Songs of All Time
During his three-decade career, Alan Jackson has released some of the most essential country music songs ever. His catalog includes classic barnburners like “Chattahoochee,” tender ballads like “Remember When” and everything in between.
No matter which songs are your favorite, it’s hard to dispute that Jackson’s music changed the country music genre forever.
Gallery credit: Carena Liptak
