In a heartfelt and emotional interview that aired this week, country music legend Reba McEntire opened up about her dear friend and fellow icon, Alan Jackson, following the close of what is now confirmed to be his final tour. With tears in her eyes and a voice filled with sorrow, Reba revealed a heartbreaking update that has left fans devastated — Alan’s health is rapidly declining, and his days on stage are over for good.

“My heart broke watching Alan take those final steps onto the stage,” Reba said softly. “It was like every note he sang carried a goodbye. And in a way… it was.”

Alan Jackson, known for timeless hits like Remember When, Where I Come From, and Drive (For Daddy Gene), has been quietly battling a rare degenerative nerve disease called Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT). Though he first revealed his diagnosis in 2021, fans had held onto hope that he would continue to perform, even sporadically. But behind the scenes, the disease has progressed faster than expected, drastically affecting his mobility and stamina.

Now, after more than four decades of music, accolades, and heartfelt storytelling through song, Alan has chosen to step away from performing to focus on his health and his family. His decision marks the end of an era — and a painful moment for millions of fans around the world.

Reba, who has shared both the stage and a deep friendship with Alan over the years, admitted that his departure has hit her hard. “Alan’s a quiet fighter,” she said. “He never complains. You’d never know how much pain he’s in. But I’ve seen him offstage — how slow his steps have become, how hard it is for him to even hold a guitar some nights.”

She went on to reveal something even more heartbreaking: Alan had been working on a deeply personal farewell album, filled with songs he had written over the last year — but the project has now been put on hold indefinitely due to his worsening condition.

“I’ve heard a few of the demos,” Reba said. “They’re beautiful. Just… pure Alan. He poured his soul into those songs. One of them had me in tears before the first chorus hit. But right now, he just doesn’t have the strength to finish it.”

Fans had long speculated that Alan’s recent performances felt more like goodbyes than concerts. During his final tour, dubbed Where Have You Gone?, he was seen leaning on stools, holding onto mic stands for support, and often walking slowly to and from the stage. Despite the physical limitations, his voice remained as powerful and emotional as ever — perhaps even more so, as if he knew each show might be his last.

On social media, the reaction to Reba’s interview was overwhelming. Fans poured out their love and sorrow, sharing stories of how Alan’s songs had shaped their lives. One woman wrote, “I danced with my father to Drive at my wedding. He passed away last year. Alan’s music brings him back to me every time.” Another fan posted, “He’s the soundtrack of my childhood. This feels like losing a piece of home.”

Reba has now become the public face of support for Alan in this vulnerable moment, asking fans not to grieve the loss of a performer, but to celebrate the life and legacy of an artist who gave everything he had to his music and his fans.

“If you want to honor Alan,” she said, “don’t just listen to his music — live by the values in it. Love your family. Stay grounded. Find beauty in the simple things. That’s what Alan stood for.”

She also expressed hope that the unfinished songs might someday be released — if not by Alan himself, then perhaps as a tribute completed by those who loved him most.

Despite the sadness, Reba’s words were filled with deep admiration and gratitude. “Alan Jackson is one of the finest men I’ve ever known — not just as an artist, but as a human being. He’s humble, kind, and full of heart. He changed country music, and he did it without ever changing who he was.”

As Alan quietly fades from the spotlight, one thing is certain: his music will endure. From the Grand Ole Opry to small-town radios, from family porches to the biggest stages in the world, his songs have become woven into the lives of countless fans. He sang of love, loss, faith, and the American spirit — and he did it with a voice that felt like home.

Reba ended the interview with a message directly to Alan: “You may be stepping off the stage, my friend, but your legacy shines brighter than ever. We love you. We thank you. And we’ll never forget the music — or the man.”

It’s the end of a chapter in country music history. But as Reba so powerfully reminded us, “Alan Jackson may be retiring, but his music — and his heart — will never truly say goodbye.”