Alan Jackson, a 64-year-old music icon, has captivated countless fans for over 40 years with his enchanting blend of classic country melodies and honky tonk rhythms.
He is part of the Grand Ole Opry, has sold over 80 million records, and was welcomed into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2017.
Alan has faced some awful tragedies recently, and he shared in 2020 that he was diagnosed with a degenerative nerve disorder.
Ben Selecman tragically passed away in a boating accident in 2018, leaving behind a grieving family and a legacy in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
It is truly heartbreaking that the 28-year-old, who was married to Mattie Jackson Selecman, lost his life in a tragic incident while assisting a woman onto a boat.
The Tennessean shared the news that Ben collapsed and hit his head when he was helping a woman get into a boat. Sadly, despite being rushed to the hospital immediately, Ben couldn’t survive the “severe traumatic head injuries” and passed away.
Davidson County District Attorney Glenn Funk’s employees expressed their heartfelt sentiments to The Tennessean, emphasizing how much they will miss Ben, who served as Assistant District Attorney. They fondly remember his incredible sense of humor and unwavering determination.
We deeply mourn the loss of such a promising talent. It saddens us to think that we won’t be able to witness his continued rise. However, we are immensely thankful for the time he spent with us. Each day he worked was a testament to his greatness and we cherish those memories.
Alan Jackson recently shared that a personal family tragedy greatly influenced the creation of his albums Angels & Alcohol in 2015 and Where Have You Gone released earlier this year.
Nothing compares to a family occasion.
Mattie has been mourning the heartbreaking loss of her partner for the last three years, and throughout this difficult time, her father has been there to support her. What’s even more surprising is that they collaborated on a song called “Racing the Dark.” Jackson’s daughters have often been a source of inspiration for his famous country music, but this is the first time they have worked together on a project like this.
Fans of the celebrity can download the song by purchasing Mattie’s upcoming book, Lemons on Friday: Trusting God Through My Greatest Heartbreak. Within the pages of the book, Mattie shares her personal journey of how the loss of her spouse impacted her life and how her unwavering faith guided her towards healing. Additionally, she delves into how her own suffering served as the catalyst for co-founding NaSHEville, a business dedicated to empowering women in Music City. Through this endeavor, Mattie found the determination to uncover newfound strength within herself.
Alan and his wife, Denise Jackson, a New York Times best-selling novelist, provide an introduction in the book. The couple shares their personal journey after the passing of their daughter, discussing the innovative ways they found to honor her memory and how they navigated through the grief of losing a beloved family member.
Alan Jackson disease
Regrettably, Alan Jackson has also faced some personal health challenges. In a recent interview with Today, Alan shared that he had been grappling with significant health issues.
Alan asserts that he has encountered problems over the past decade and is diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a progressive neurological disorder.
The illness has a significant impact on the country singer’s life, making it challenging for him to walk and maintain his balance at times. Unfortunately, since the condition is genetic and inherited from Alan’s father, there is no available cure.
Alan mentioned that, regrettably, the situation has deteriorated over time.
“I’ve been dealing with this for years, and unfortunately, there’s no cure for it. Lately, it’s becoming more and more noticeable. I can feel myself stumbling on stage, struggling to keep my balance even in front of the microphone. It’s making me feel really uneasy,” he shared with Jenna Bush Hager at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville.
Today’s report states that the condition impacts the peripheral nervous system, leading to balance issues due to the weakening of smaller muscles in the body’s extremities. The most affected areas are the arms and legs.
Despite facing a tough setback, Alan has no intention of fading into the background. Let’s hope he keeps touring and sharing his music for years to come!
Jackson reassured, “It won’t be fatal. It’s not life-threatening. However, it is connected to muscular dystrophy and Parkinson’s disease.”
Sending prayers to Alan and his family. He’s one of my favorite singers!