Is Alan Jackson Retiring? Here’s Everything We Know
Alan Jackson has announced what could be construed as a farewell tour for 2024, but it's not entirely clear if the new dates will mark his actual exit from the stage. Is Alan Jackson actually retiring from touring? Well, we don't really quite know — and it's not clear if even he does.
Did Alan Jackson Announce a Farewell Tour?
Jackson announced a limited number of tour dates for 2024 and 2025 on Wednesday morning (May 30). Jackson will perform 10 dates, beginning in August of 2024 and running through May of 2025.
A carefully worded press release announcing the tour stopped short of calling the dates a "farewell tour," but Jackson is calling the tour the Last Call: One More for the Road Tour, and the press release states that the upcoming dates mark "the last time he’ll ever perform his more-than-30 years of hits in that city and surrounding areas."
"The Last Call: One More for the Road Tour serves as just that – one final chance for people to see and hear the iconic singer-songwriter perform his best-loved songs – music that’s been the soundtrack of their lives – in concert," the press release continues.
What Are the Dates and Cities for Alan Jackson's Last Call Tour?
Aug. 2 - Boston, Mass @ TD Garden
Aug. 24 - Grand Rapids, Mich. @ Van Andel Arena
Sept. 28 - Fayetteville, Ark. @ Bud Walton Arena
Oct. 26 - Kansas City, Mo. @ T-Mobile Arena
Nov. 16 - Salt Lake City, Utah @ Delta Center
Jan. 18 - Oklahoma City, Okla. @ Paycom Center
Feb. 15 - Fort Worth, Texas @ Dickies Arena
March 7 - Orlando, Fla. @ Kia Center
April 26 - Tampa, Fla. @ Amalie Arena
May 17 - Milwaukee, Wisc. @ Fiserv Forum
Will Alan Jackson Ever Tour Again?
Well ... maybe? The press release announcing the new concerts also left that question hanging, calling the announced shows an "initial list" of possible dates. Will there be more? Your guess is just as good as anyone's.
Why Would Alan Jackson Retire?
Alan Jackson has been dealing with an ongoing health crisis for years.
The country icon revealed in 2021 that he had been living with a degenerative nerve condition for more than ten years. Jackson has been diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, which causes nerve damage in the body, primarily in the arms and legs.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the disease can cause muscle contractions, a loss of sensation and make walking difficult.
There are also family reasons for wanting to step away, Jackson says:
“I’ve been touring for over 30 years – my daughters are all grown, we have one grandchild and one on the way... and I’m enjoying spending more time at home," he states. "But my fans always show up to have a good time, and I’m going to give them the best show I can for this Last Call."
Jackson previously announced what many assumed would be his final tour dates in 2022, but did not complete the tour due to his health issues.
Is Alan Jackson Dying?
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is not deadly, and it does not decrease life expectancy, according to the Mayo Clinic. But there is no known cure for the illness, which is inherited. According to Jackson, his grandmother, father and one of his sisters all lived with the illness.
Will Alan Jackson Ever Release More New Music?
The Country Music Hall of Famer shared his optimism about new music with his daughter Mattie on her In-Joy Life podcast in 2023.
"Well, yes. I would hope so," he said about recording new music (quotes via People). "I mean, I may not have toured much, but like I said, the creative part jumps out every now and then. I'm always scribbling down ideas and thinking about melodies, and I feel like there'll be some more music to come, yes."
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