Country star Alan Jackson Supports His Grieving Daughter Through the Loss of Her Husband
Country Legend Alan Jackson Battles Health Issues and Family Loss
Country music icon Alan Jackson (64) has captivated audiences for four decades with his signature blend of traditional and honky-tonk sounds. He's a Grand Ole Opry member, a Country Music Hall of Famer (inducted in 2017), and has sold a staggering 80 million records.
However, personal tragedies have also marked Jackson's life. Last year, he revealed a diagnosis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, a degenerative nerve condition.
Family Tragedy Shapes Recent Work
Despite his success, Jackson and his family haven't been spared hardship. They're still grieving the loss of Ben Selecman, Mattie Jackson's husband, who died tragically in a boating accident in 2018. The 28-year-old assistant district attorney was trying to help someone when he fell and suffered fatal head injuries.
This loss heavily influenced Jackson's recent albums, "Angels & Alcohol" (2015) and "Where Have You Gone" (2023).
Daughter Finds Strength in Faith
Mattie, with her father's support, has been processing her grief for the past three years. They even co-wrote a song, "Racing the Dark," marking their first creative collaboration. Fans can access the song by purchasing Mattie's upcoming book, "Lemons on Friday: Trusting God Through My Greatest Heartbreak."
The book details Mattie's journey through loss and healing through faith. It also highlights her co-founding of NaSHEville, a company empowering women in Nashville's music scene.
The book features a foreword by Alan and his wife, Denise, a New York Times bestseller. They share their experience supporting Mattie and grieving the loss of a beloved family member.
Living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
Beyond family tragedy, Alan also faces personal health challenges. He recently opened up about his decade-long battle with CMT disease. This condition affects his balance and walking, and unfortunately, there's no cure.
"It's not going to kill me," Alan shared, "but it's getting progressively worse." Despite the challenges, he has no plans to retire and hopes to continue performing for many years to come.
We wish you all the best, Alan! Your music continues to inspire countless fans, including myself.
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