Alan Jackson sang one of his iconic hits as part of the star-studded Opry 100: A Live Celebration. Jackson performed “Chattahoochee,” a No. 1, multi-platinum hit for Jackson that was released in 1993. The song, written by Jackson and Jim McBride, is from Jackson’s third studio album, A Lot About Livin’ (And a Little ‘Bout Love).”
Jackson became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1991.
“The ultimate dream when you’re in country music is to be asked to join the Grand Ole Opry,” Jackson says (via Taste of Country). “You think about people like Hank Williams, and Mr. Acuff, and George Jones, who stood on that spot of wood. That’s what makes you so nervous — to think about the historical part of the Opry and how it’s played such a part in country music.”
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Other performers for Opry 100: A Live Celebration, including Carrie Underwood and Vince Gill, could be seen enjoying Jackson’s performance. His appearance for the show, in celebration of the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th anniversary, is especially meaningful, since Jackson is getting ready to retire from life on the road.
The 66-year-old is wrapping up his Last Call: One More For The Road Tour, which will be his final tour, due to his ongoing battle with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Jackson announced his health news on the Today Show in 2021.
“I have this neuropathy and neurological disease,” Jackson revealed on the Today Show. “It’s genetic that I inherited from my daddy … There’s no cure for it, but it’s been affecting me for years. And it’s getting more and more obvious. And I know I’m stumbling around on stage. And now I’m having a little trouble balancing, even in front of the microphone, and so I just feel very uncomfortable. It’s not going to kill me; it’s not deadly. But it is related to Muscular Dystrophy and Parkinson’s disease.”
Although heartbreaking, Jackson made peace with the decision to stop touring, and spend more time at home.
“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,” Jackson said of his decision. “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 is taking a hint from his musical idols about when the right time is to retire.
“I’ve always admired my heroes like George Jones, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn and Charley Pride who just played as much as they wanted to, as long as they could,” Jackson explained. “I’ve always thought I’d like to do that, and I’d like to as long as my health will allow. I’ll try to do as much as I can, but if I’m comin’ your way, come see me.”
Opry 100: A Live Celebration is streaming now on Peacock.
Photo Credit: Jason Kempin / Getty Images for NBC