Legendary country music icon Alan Jackson, 64, has captured the hearts of millions for more than 40 years with his timeless blend of traditional country music and tonky-tonk beats. A member of the famous Grand Ole Opry and inducted into the prestigious Country Music Hall of Fame, Alan’s contributions to the genre are immeasurable. He sold over 80 million records during his illustrious career. But behind the success is a story of resilience and triumph.
Last year, Allen shocked his loyal fans by revealing that he had been diagnosed with a degenerative neurological disease. The news comes as she and her family deal with the tragic death of Ben Selectman, the husband of Alan’s daughter Mattie Jackson Selectman. Ben tragically died in a boating accident in 2018 while selflessly trying to help a woman onto her boat. The family continues to mourn this tragic loss.
Despite these profound challenges, Alan Jackson has channeled his emotions into his music, using it as an avenue for healing and self-expression. His albums “Angels & Alcohol” (2015) and “Where Have You Gone” (2021) bear the indelible imprints of these intense personal experiences. Through his art, Alan pays homage to the enduring love and cherished memories of those he has lost.
Ben Selekman was a rising star in the Davidson County District Attorney’s office while working as an assistant district attorney. Colleagues fondly remember his sense of humor and unwavering dedication to his work. The loss of such a remarkable talent is deeply felt and his absence leaves a huge void in the lives of all who knew him.
In the midst of tragedy, Alan Jackson’s daughter, Mattie, has found solace in her faith and the unwavering support of her father. Together, they collaborated on a powerful song titled “Racing the Dark,” a remarkable first for the father-daughter duo. This heartfelt composition holds special meaning for them both and serves as a testament to the strength that can emerge from the depths of pain.
Mattie has also channeled her grief into a remarkable endeavor, co-founding NaSHEville, a business that seeks to empower women in Music City. Her journey of healing and self-discovery is chronicled in her upcoming book, “Lemons on Friday: Trusting God Through My Greatest Heartbreak.” In this poignant memoir, Mattie shares her profound struggles, the resilience of her spirit, and how her experiences propelled her to find newfound purpose and strength.
New York Times bestselling authors Alan and his wife Denise Jackson provide a candid introduction to the book, sharing their personal experiences and how to find comfort and healing after the loss of a family member. Their personal journeys serve as a beacon of hope for others navigating the treacherous waters of grief. Alan Jackson wants to continue his love of music and share it with the world while dealing with health issues, especially Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a degenerative neurological disease. The disease, which damages the peripheral nervous system and disfigures the body’s extremities, leaves the country superstar physically disabled. But Alan promises to persevere, persevere and keep performing for the fans who love him.
Please send your prayers and best wishes to Alan Jackson and his family during this difficult time. As fans, we appreciate the joy and inspiration his music has brought into our lives. As we look forward to his future shows and continue to cherish the timeless music that has become the soundtrack to our lives, may he find strength in the love and support of his loyal fans.
