Alan Jackson knows a thing or two about hard work. Jackson, who worked a series of odd jobs, including in the mail room at TNN, has spent most of his adult life as a country music singer. But just because he didn’t have a regular 9 to 5 job, doesn’t mean he doesn’t understand the value of hard work.
“I’ve always written songs and recorded songs, other people’s songs, about working people and working, the working life,” Jackson says. “‘Cause that’s where I’m from. I mean, I worked…I’d already had jobs and worked as a grown person before I ever even thought about being in the music business.
“So I come from that background, although I hadn’t had a job in a long time,” he adds with a laugh. “I still remember a lot about it, and I remember what the lifestyle is, and I still appreciate that.”
Alan Jackson Retires From Touring Amid Health Struggles
In 2021, Jackson revealed that he was battling Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, which affects his mobility. Because of that, Jackson decided to retire from touring, with his final Last Call: One More For The Road Tour wrapping up in May.
“I’ve been touring for over 30 years, played everywhere, in countries and parts of the world,” Jackson said in 2024. “I’ve had a wonderful, wonderful career, and I’m getting into my twilight years … I enjoy spending more time at home, and don’t want to be away like I had been in my younger days. And I don’t tour as much now as I did of course ten years ago, but I think it’s getting time to start thinking about hanging it up full-time.”
What Alan Jackson Says About His Country Music Career
Ahead of his final tour, the 66-year-old reflected on his massive success in country music, which began in 1985.
Alan Jackson addressed the sellout Milwaukee crowd. He said this is his last road show. He said he plans on one last show in Nashville next summer to close things out. pic.twitter.com/sDj8LVxZAz
— Steven Radmer (@Steven_R) May 18, 2025
“It’s been a long, sweet ride,” the Georgia native said at the time. “It started 40 years ago this September. My wife and I drove to Nashville with an old U-Haul trailer, and chased this dream. It’s been a crazy ride. I’ve lived the American dream for sure, and I’m so blessed. Thank y’all so much for all your support of my music and coming to shows. It’s amazing how time and all that stuff works in your life. It all comes down to just one little three-minute song.”
“I worked hard to get a record deal in Nashville,” he continues. “I finally did, and we were so excited. We went in that summer of ’89 and recorded that first album. Put out that first single to radio, and just couldn’t wait to get it out there. It died a miserable death on the charts, and it was very sad.”
That first single was “Blue Blooded Woman,” out in 1989. Of course, Jackson went on to have plenty more hits, as well as becoming a member of both the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Alan Jackson To Perform One Final Show
Ahead of his final tour date, Jackson said he was planning on doing one final show in Nashville, to wrap up his legendary career.
“We’re planning on doing a big finale show in Nashville next summer sometime,” Jackson says. “I just felt like I had to end it all where it all started, and that’s in Nashville, Tennessee, Music City, where country music was born. So I gotta do my last one there.”
Find all of Jackson’s music at AlanJackson.com.