Alan Jackson’s farewell tour has been filled with poignant moments, but none were as emotionally charged as his March 2025 performance in Orlando, Florida. During his rendition of “Drive,” the 66-year-old country legend was visibly overcome with emotion, choking up as he sang the lyrics to the 2002 song, written in memory of his father, who passed away in 2000.

Health Struggles and CMT Diagnosis

In 2021, Jackson opened up about his battle with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a rare neurological condition that has impacted his life and career. Speaking to Today’s Jenna Bush Hager, Jackson revealed that he inherited the illness from his father.

“I’ve got this neuropathy and neurological disease. It’s genetic, something I inherited from my daddy… There’s no cure for it, but it’s been affecting me for years,” Jackson shared, shedding light on the struggles he has faced with CMT for the past decade.

“I’ve been reluctant to talk about this publicly and to my fans… It’s called CMT, ironically enough, because CMT was a big part of my career,” the singer, known for hits like “Chattahoochee,” added.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, CMT is a hereditary disorder that affects the nerves controlling the feet, legs, hands, and arms, leading to muscle weakness and coordination issues. Jackson’s family history is deeply tied to the disease—his grandmother and older sister are also affected.

“It’s getting more and more obvious. I know I’m stumbling around on stage,” he confessed, referring to his difficulty with balance. Fans have often seen Jackson leaning on a stool or pole during performances, providing him the stability he needs. “I’m having trouble balancing, even in front of the microphone, and so I just feel very uncomfortable,” he said.

‘One More for the Road’ Tour

In 2022, Jackson launched his “Last Call: One More for the Road” tour, marking a special moment in his career. He emphasized that it was not a “farewell tour,” stating, “I’m not saying I won’t be able to tour. I’ll try to do as much as I can. I don’t want people to be sad for me, it’s just part of life.”

Jackson’s health challenges were affecting his ability to perform, but after some time away, he realized that he wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye to the stage. In May 2024, he extended the tour, announcing that each show would be “the last time he’ll ever perform his more-than-30 years of hits.”

He said, “Some of the best times are had right at last call, and this is one last call that you don’t want to miss!”

A Heartfelt Moment in Orlando

As the farewell tour neared its conclusion, emotions ran high during Jackson’s performance at the Kia Center in Orlando on March 2025. Leaning against a stool for support, Jackson stood under the stage lights, his voice trembling with emotion as he performed “Drive,” the song he wrote for his father. The 2002 track reflected Jackson’s deep love for his dad, and its lyrics painted a picture of their shared memories of learning to drive together.

“This is a song I wrote quite a few years ago when my daddy passed away,” Jackson shared with the audience. “I wanted to write a song for him; I didn’t want to write some old crying-dying typical kind of thing, you know?”

He went on to explain the song’s meaning, recounting the special bond he shared with his father: “When I started thinking about growing up, all I ever wanted to do was drive something. He taught me all about that. That’s what this song is about.”

As he reached the final chorus, Jackson turned away from the microphone, visibly choked up. The crowd responded with a resounding applause, moved by the deep emotion on display. It was a moment that will remain etched in the hearts of those who witnessed it, encapsulating the power of music and the enduring love between a father and son.

Alan Jackson’s Last Tour, but Not His Lasting Legacy

Although this may be Alan Jackson’s final tour, his influence on country music will continue for years to come. His songs, which have shaped the genre over the last three decades, will remain a staple in country music history. Jackson’s heartfelt performances and unwavering dedication to his craft have inspired countless artists, ensuring his legacy will live on.

As his farewell tour comes to an end, Jackson’s music will continue to be celebrated by fans worldwide, keeping his spirit alive for future generations to enjoy.