Justin Timberlake reveals he's been diagnosed with Lyme disease, says he performed through 'nerve pain'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Justin Timberlake has opened up about a personal health struggle that remained hidden during his world tour.
The 44-year-old singer revealed that he has been battling Lyme disease while on the road, pushing through both mental and physical tolls to stay connected with fans.
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Justin Timberlake opens up about hidden health battle after two grueling years on tour
As his 'Forget Tomorrow World Tour' wrapped up, Justin Timberlake took to Instagram on July 31 to share what he’s been facing behind the scenes.
“Well, as these two incredible years come to an end and I look forward to the future, I wanted to write something from the heart,” he wrote. He described the tour as “the most fun, emotional, gratifying, physically demanding, and, at times, grueling experience.”
Despite being known as a private person, Timberlake decided it was time to share his diagnosis.
“Among other things, I’ve been battling some health issues, and was diagnosed with Lyme disease, which I don’t say so you feel bad for me, but to shed some light on what I’ve been up against behind the scenes,” he wrote.
“If you’ve experienced this disease or know someone who has, then you’re aware: living with this can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically,” Timberlake added.
Despite diagnosis, Justin Timberlake chose to push through tour to stay connected with fans
Justin Timberlake said he was shocked when he first received the diagnosis but explained that it helped make sense of his symptoms.
“At least I could understand why I would be onstage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness,” he said.
He considered stopping the tour but ultimately decided to keep going. “I was faced with a personal decision. Stop touring? Or, keep going and figure it out. I decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I’m so glad I kept going,” wrote Timberlake.
He said he proved his own “mental tenacity” by staying the course and now carries “so many special moments” with fans that he’ll never forget.
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Timberlake, who shares sons Silas, 9, and Phineas, 4, with wife Jessica Biel, shared why he decided to be more transparent.
“I was reluctant to talk about this because I was always raised to keep something like this to yourself,” he wrote. “But I am trying to be more transparent about my struggles so that they aren’t misinterpreted.”
He ended his message with a note of unity: “Sharing all of this with the hope that we can all find a way to be more connected,” Timberlake said. “I’d like to do my part to help others experiencing this disease too.”
Fans praise Justin Timberlake’s strength after Lyme disease revelation
Fans reacted with love and support across social media. “Thank you for sharing something so deep. Admiring you since 2010 and counting… te amo,” one fan commented on Instagram.
Another shared, “Justin, Thank you so much for your transparency because it really does bring a closer connection ❤️ we love and support you, and are grateful to have shared these wonderful moments of the forget tomorrow tour ❤️ I will be praying for your health and hope you feel better soon 💛 you are loved.”
“Justin, you didn’t need to share this, but so glad you did. You didn’t need to go on with the tour, but so glad you did. Take care of yourself and don’t be a stranger!” wrote another.
One fan added, “A lifetime of healing vibes and energy to you as you battle this ❤️ thank you for your hard work and dedication to us, the fans.”
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