Alan Jackson is a beloved country music legend who has captivated audiences for over 40 years with his unique blend of traditional country music and honky-tonk. The 64-year-old singer has sold more than 80 million records, was a member of the Grand Ole Opry and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2017. But Alan has also experienced some tragic events in recent years. Last year, he said, he was diagnosed with a dystrophic disorder of the nervous system.
The diagnosis comes after her son-in-law, Ben Selekman, died in a tragic boating accident in 2018. Losing Ben was a huge blow to Alan and his family, and they continue to mourn his loss. Ben Alan’s daughter Mattie married Selectman Jackson. In a heartbreaking incident, Ben lost his life while trying to bring a woman into his boat.
Despite immediate medical attention, he died from severe head injuries. Those who knew Ben describe him as a rising star, and his sense of humor and dedication will be missed. Losing Ben played a key role in inspiring Alan Jackson’s latest album, 2015’s Angels & Drink and Where Have You Gone, released earlier this year.
The album chronicles Alan’s journey through grief and loss and the healing process he and his family went through. Even in the midst of this tragedy, Alan remained a pillar of strength for his daughter Mattie. Together they wrote the song “Race the Dark”, which reflects their pain and the strength they found in each other. Fans can download the song by purchasing Matty’s new book, Friday’s Lemons: Trusting God through My Worst Heartbreak.
In the book, Matty talks about his experiences and how his faith helped him heal. She also talks about how her pain led her to start NaSHEville, a company that empowers women in Music City. Alan’s personal health was also difficult for him.
He recently revealed that he suffers from Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a degenerative neurological disease. The disease affects the ability to walk and maintain balance, making it difficult to perform on stage. Despite these challenges, Alan is determined to continue touring and sharing his music with his fans.
It’s clear that Alan Jackson and his family have been through a lot, but they persevere and find strength in each other. We send our prayers and support to Alan, his family and everyone who was touched by his music.
