During his farewell tour, Alan Jackson breaks down in tears as he pays a moving homage to his late father

As one of the most illustrious careers in country music draws to a close, Alan Jackson gave his fans an unforgettable moment that was full of unfiltered emotion, personal anecdotes, and the therapeutic value of music.

A Memorable Experience in Orlando Alan Jackson grew noticeably distraught when performing his 2002 hit song, “Drive (For Daddy Gene),” in Orlando, Florida, during a March 2025 stop on his Last Call: One More for the Road farewell tour. He penned the song as a tribute to his father, Eugene Jackson, and it stopped the Kia Center in its tracks.

Jackson’s voice broke and tears filled his eyes as he sang about the special times he spent learning to drive with his father. The crowd sensed his obvious emotional outburst as he turned away from the microphone. The audience joined in the moment of love and remembering with a long, thundering applause. Jackson shook his voice as he said to the audience, “I wrote this song when my daddy passed away.” “I wanted it to have meaning, not just be depressing.”

His Continuous Struggle with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Alan revealed in public in 2021 that he had been suffering from Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, a genetic neurological disorder that damages the limbs’ muscles and nerves. He disclosed that he has been dealing with the illness for over a decade. Jackson, who is now 66, frequently uses a stool or pole for support on stage because of balance and coordination problems, which are signs of CMT. He is determined to end his farewell tour with dignity and heart, so he keeps showing up for his supporters night after night in spite of the difficulties.

A Goodbye That isn’t at all final

Jackson extended the journey with his 2024–2025 farewell tour as a gift to fans — giving them one last chance to hear the songs that helped define an era of country music — even if he was hesitant to call his 2021 tour his “last.” Millions of people have been impacted by Alan’s music, which includes Chattahoochee and Remember When to Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning). However, Drive has a particular place in both his and his fans’ hearts.

An Enduring Legacy

Alan Jackson’s legacy is only becoming more powerful, even as his touring career comes to an end. He is a multi-award-winning performer, a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, and one of the most genuine voices in the history of the music.

His moving performance in Orlando served as a reminder that country music is about more than simply sound; it’s also about connection, narrative, and remaining loyal to your heritage. Long after the last song is performed, new generations will still be inspired by Jackson’s music.