Alan Jackson, country music icon, announces big life change – ‘blessings overflowing’

Alan Jackson is preparing for his farewell tour. The country music star recently shared why he’s retiring.

He wants to spend more time with his family. This news follows a joyful announcement: Jackson has a new grandchild.

In February, Jackson said he was expecting another grandchild. The baby, a grandson named Wesley Alan Smith, has now arrived.

“One week ago my life changed forever,” Jackson’s daughter, Mattie Jackson, wrote on Instagram Thursday.

“Wesley Alan Smith joined our family on June 20th, the best birthday gift I could ever imagine,” she continued. “There is no greater honor than being chosen by God to be your mom. And no greater joy than watching your dad adore and protect you. Even Ryman has warmed up to her new little brother.”

“You have all my heart and my prayers, baby boy,” she added. “If you’re like both your namesakes (Connor’s grandad and @officialalanjackson), you have a great life ahead of you (prayer emojis).”

In February, Jackson shared his excitement about the growing family on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Blessings overflowing in our growing family!” he wrote. “Denise and I are thrilled for our second grandson to arrive in June! We’re so happy for Mattie and Connor Smith and can’t wait to meet the new addition.”

Earlier this month, Jackson talked about his decision to retire after his upcoming tour. The 65-year-old looked back on his long career and the changes in his life.

“I’ve been touring for over 30 years, played everywhere in the country and parts of the world,” Jackson said in a video on X. “I’ve had a wonderful career. Now, getting into my later years, all my daughters are grown. I have one grandchild and another on the way. I enjoy spending more time at home and don’t want to be away like I used to be. I don’t tour as much now as I did 10 years ago. It’s time to think about retiring full-time.”

The tour, called “Last Call: One More for the Road,” starts on August 2 and includes 10 dates, running through May 17, 2025.

In 2021, Jackson revealed he has Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a chronic condition that affects balance and mobility. He talked about this in the video, explaining how it has influenced his decision to retire.

“Most of my fans know I have a health condition that affects my legs and arms and my mobility. I got it from my dad, and it’s getting worse,” he said. “It makes me uncomfortable on stage, and I have a hard time. I want to think about quitting before I can’t do the job like I want to.”

With his farewell tour ahead and a new grandson to love, Alan Jackson is ready to start a new chapter, focusing on family and health.