Alan Jackson fights back tears while performing 'Drive' during 'Last Call' farewell tour

ORLANDO, FLORIDA: Country music legend Alan Jackson is nearing the end of his 'Last Call: One More for the Road Tour', marking the final chapter of his touring career.

The 65-year-old icon, who has spent over three decades entertaining millions, announced this farewell run after previously hinting at retirement in 2022. However, after taking some time off, Jackson decided he had a little more music left to share with fans before stepping away, as reported by Whiskey Riff.

Alan Jackson fights back tears performing 'Drive' on his final tour in Orlando

During a recent performance at the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida, Alan Jackson had a particularly emotional moment while singing 'Drive'. The song, released in 2002, is a tribute to his late father, capturing childhood memories of learning to drive and the bond they shared. 

Before starting the song, Jackson reflected on its deep personal meaning, “This is a song I wrote quite a few years ago when my daddy passed away. I wanted to write a song for him; I didn’t want to write some old crying-dying typical kind of thing, you know? When I started thinking about growing up, all I ever wanted to do was drive something. He taught me all about that. That’s what this song is about,” he told the crowd.

As he reached the final chorus, Jackson turned away from the microphone, visibly overwhelmed with emotion.

Alan Jackson's 2024–2025 tour will make stops at 10 major arenas across the US, giving fans one final chance to experience his iconic hits live in each city and its neighboring regions. For details on tickets, tour dates, and fan club presale access for Alan Jackson’s 'Last Call: One More for the Road Tour', visit alanjackson.com.

Alan Jackson is spending quality time at home with his family

“I’ve been touring for over 30 years – my daughters are all grown, we have one grandchild and one on the way, and I’m enjoying spending more time at home,” Alan Jackson shared. “But my fans always show up to have a good time, and I’m going to give them the best show I can for this Last Call.”

Jackson has Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a progressive nerve disorder that impacts the arms and legs, making movement and balance increasingly difficult. He acknowledged that the condition is starting to affect his stage presence, making it challenging to stand steadily at the microphone.

As a result, during this tour, fans may notice him performing while seated on a stool or using a support post to maintain his stability throughout the show.

As part of his final tour, Jackson is donating $1 from every ticket sold to the CMT Research Foundation, an organization dedicated to funding research for the disease. A group of donors and board members will match every dollar raised, amplifying the effort to find a cure.