In a moment of deep honesty and heartfelt emotion, Mattie Jackson , daughter of country music icon Alan Jackson, has shared a personal update about her father’s health — one that left fans both deeply moved and more connected than ever to the man whose songs shaped a generation.
Speaking through quiet tears during a recent interview for her family’s foundation event, Mattie offered a rare glimpse into how Alan’s ongoing battle with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a degenerative nerve condition, has changed their lives — and how it’s also brought them closer.
“Watching someone you love go through something so hard… it changes you,” Mattie said. “But Daddy is still Daddy — strong, faithful, and so full of heart.”
Alan Jackson first revealed his diagnosis publicly in 2021, and since then, fans have witnessed his strength and grace as he’s scaled back touring and embraced more time with family. But behind the scenes, Mattie says, has been a story not just of challenge — but of perseverance, gratitude, and faith.
“There are good days and harder days,” she shared. “But even on the tough ones, he finds something to smile about. And we’ve had some of the most meaningful talks we’ve ever had.”
Mattie, who has written about grief and healing in her own life after losing her first husband, says her father’s quiet courage has inspired her once again.
“He’s not giving up. He’s just learning to live differently — more slowly, more intentionally, and with even more love.”
Alan now spends much of his time at home in Tennessee, writing, resting, and enjoying time with Denise — his wife of over 40 years — and their growing family of grandchildren.
“He lights up when the grandkids are around,” Mattie smiled. “You can see the joy in his eyes. And even if he can’t run around like he used to, they don’t care — they just want their Papa.”
She ended the update with a message to fans, asking for continued support and prayers.
“He feels your love,” she said. “We all do. And it means the world to us. Daddy always said country music is about real life — and now more than ever, we’re living the lyrics.”