Alan Jackson gets teary-eyed in his farewell tour performance of “Drive,” honoring his late father, Eugene, in a profoundly emotional moment.
Alan Jackson’s farewell tour has been filled with unforgettable moments, but one stands out above the rest. During his March 2025 performance in Orlando, Florida, the country music legend became visibly emotional while performing his hit song, “Drive.” As Jackson sang the 2002 track, which he wrote after his father passed away, his voice trembled, and tears welled up in his eyes, making for a powerful, heartfelt moment on stage.
In 2021, Alan Jackson bravely opened up about his struggles with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, a neurological condition he inherited from his father. The now 66-year-old singer revealed to Today host Jenna Bush Hager that he had been battling the illness for over a decade. Despite the challenges CMT presents, Jackson continues to perform, though he admits his condition has made it difficult to move on stage.
CMT, which causes neuropathy and affects the nerves in the feet, legs, hands, and arms, has made its mark on Jackson’s health. He has been open about the difficulties the disease has caused, such as trouble with balance and coordination. Often seen using a stool or a pole for support on stage, Jackson admitted that it has become harder for him to perform in front of his fans.
Though Jackson initially hesitated to call his 2021 tour a “farewell,” he eventually decided to extend it in 2024. His “Last Call: One More for the Road” tour was meant to celebrate his decades-long career while giving his fans one last chance to experience his iconic hits. The Country Music Hall of Fame member made it clear that while his physical decline was affecting his ability to tour, he wasn’t ready to say goodbye just yet.
During his March 2025 show at the Kia Center in Orlando, the emotion was palpable as Jackson performed “Drive,” a song written in memory of his father, Eugene, who passed away in 2000. As he sang about the deep bond he shared with his dad while learning to drive, his voice cracked with raw emotion, and the audience could feel the weight of the moment.
“I wrote this song when my daddy passed away. I wanted to write a song that wasn’t just about sadness but about something meaningful to me,” Jackson explained to the crowd, his voice quivering. As the song’s chorus reached its peak, Jackson turned away from the microphone, visibly overcome with emotion. The audience responded with thunderous applause, moved by the heartfelt tribute.Though Alan Jackson’s farewell tour may be nearing its end, his legacy in country music is far from over. His influence on the genre is undeniable, and his music will continue to inspire future generations of artists and fans alike. As his final tour continues, fans are reminded of the timeless power of Jackson’s music and the emotional depth that has defined his remarkable career.
