Alan Jackson, the 64-year-old country music icon, has been enchanting audiences for more than forty years with his distinctive mix of classic country music and honky-tonk melodies. A revered member of the prestigious Grand Ole Opry, Alan has sold in excess of 80 million albums and was duly enshrined into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2017. While his career has been marked by numerous accomplishments and awards, it has also been punctuated by challenges.
Alan’s family faced a devastating loss in 2018 when his son-in-law, Ben Selecman, tragically passed away in a boating accident while assisting a woman onto a boat. Ben, a 28-year-old Assistant District Attorney, was seen as a promising figure in his career. The entire family, Alan included, continues to mourn this heartbreaking event.
Alan Jackson has recently discussed the impact of a significant tragedy on his music. His albums, “Angels & Alcohol” which came out in 2015 and “Where Have You Gone” released earlier this year, carry the emotional burden of his family’s grief. These albums mirror the profound pain and hardship that Alan and his family have faced, adding an extra layer of poignancy and significance.
Alan and his daughter, Mattie Jackson Selecman, united in their journey of support and healing to create a song titled “Racing the Dark.” This deeply personal and emotive piece reflects their strong connection and resilience amid challenges. Fans have the opportunity to download the song by acquiring Mattie’s forthcoming book, “Lemons on Friday: Trusting God Through My Greatest Heartbreak.” In this book, Mattie recounts her experience with grief, the role of her faith in her healing journey, and the motivation behind co-founding NaSHEville, an initiative aimed at empowering women in the music industry.
The introduction in the book is written by Alan and Denise Jackson, a renowned novelist. In it, they recount their personal journey of loss and the strategies they employed to honor their daughter’s memory while dealing with grief. Their enduring love and mutual support stand as a source of inspiration and resilience for those facing similar heartaches.
Besides the family’s personal tragedy, Alan Jackson has also been grappling with his own health issues. In a recent interview with Today, he disclosed that he has Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a degenerative nerve disorder. This genetic condition impacts his mobility and balance, posing a growing challenge for his performances on stage. Nevertheless, Alan is resolute in his commitment to keep sharing his music with his fans, emphasizing that the disease is not life-threatening.
Alan continues to face obstacles, yet his love for music remains steadfast. He is determined to keep touring and captivating audiences with his classic country songs for as long as possible. Let us keep Alan and his family in our prayers as they navigate through these tough times. Alan Jackson will always be remembered for his incredible talent and resilience.
