Alan Jackson, the 64-year-old country music legend, has been captivating fans for over four decades with his unique blend of traditional country music and honky-tonk tunes. As a member of the esteemed Grand Ole Opry, Alan has sold over 80 million records and was rightfully inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2017. His journey has been filled with achievements and accolades, but it hasn’t been without its fair share of hardships.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Alan’s family experienced a tragic loss in 2018. His son-in-law, Ben Selecman, lost his life in a boating accident while trying to help a woman onto a boat. The 28-year-old was a rising star in his own right, working as an Assistant District Attorney. The whole family, including Alan, is still grieving this devastating loss.
Alan Jackson recently shared how this profound tragedy influenced his music. His albums, “Angels & Alcohol” released in 2015 and “Where Have You Gone” earlier this year, bear the emotional weight of the family’s sorrow. These albums reflect the deep pain and struggle that Alan and his loved ones have endured, making them even more poignant and meaningful.
Supporting and healing together, Alan and his daughter, Mattie Jackson Selecman, collaborated on a song called “Racing the Dark.” This heartfelt and personal song is a testament to their bond and resilience in the face of adversity. Fans can download the song by purchasing Mattie’s upcoming book, “Lemons on Friday: Trusting God Through My Greatest Heartbreak.” In the book, Mattie shares her journey of grief, how her faith helped her through the healing process, and the inspiration behind co-founding NaSHEville, a business empowering women in Music City.
The book also includes an introduction by Alan and his wife, Denise Jackson, a bestselling novelist. They share their own experiences of loss and how they found new ways to nurture their daughter’s memory while coping with the pain. Their unwavering love and support for each other serve as a beacon of hope and strength for anyone going through their own heartbreak.
In addition to the family’s personal tragedy, Alan Jackson has also been dealing with his own health issues. Last year, he revealed in an exclusive interview with Today that he has Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a degenerative nerve disorder. This genetic condition affects his ability to walk and maintain balance, making performing on stage increasingly challenging for him. However, Alan remains determined to continue sharing his music with his fans, stating that the disease is not life-threatening.
Although Alan faces these obstacles, his passion for music remains unwavering. He plans to continue touring and enchanting audiences with his timeless country classics for as long as possible. Let’s keep Alan and his family in our prayers as they navigate through these difficult times. Alan Jackson will always be remembered not only for his extraordinary tale.
