Alan Jackson, the beloved country star, has captivated audiences for over four decades with his unique blend of honky tonk and traditional country music. With more than 80 million records sold, a spot at the Grand Ole Opry, and a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame since 2017, Alan’s success is undeniable. However, behind the scenes, he and his family have faced profound hardships and personal challenges.

One of the biggest tragedies that the Jackson family has endured was the loss of their son-in-law, Ben Selecman, in a boating accident in 2018. Ben, who was married to Alan’s daughter Mattie Jackson Selecman, tragically lost his life while trying to assist a woman onto a boat. The 28-year-old suffered severe head injuries and passed away despite immediate medical attention.

The impact of this family tragedy has deeply influenced Alan Jackson’s recent albums, such as “Angels & Alcohol” in 2015 and his latest release, “Where Have You Gone,” earlier this year. Together with his daughter Mattie, Alan co-wrote a song called “Racing the Dark,” which reflects their shared journey of grief and healing. This collaboration marks a special milestone in Alan’s music career, as it is the first time he has created music with one of his daughters.

In support of Mattie’s upcoming book, “Lemons on Friday: Trusting God Through My Greatest Heartbreak,” fans of Alan Jackson can download the song “Racing the Dark.” The book delves into Mattie’s personal experience of loss and her journey towards recovery through faith. Mattie also shares how her pain gave her the strength to co-found NaSHEville, a company dedicated to empowering women in Music City. Alan and his wife, Denise Jackson, who is a New York Times best-selling author, contribute a heartfelt foreword to the book, discussing their own process of supporting Mattie and grieving the loss of a loved one.

Despite these personal struggles, Alan Jackson continues to shine on stage and bring joy to his fans. However, he has also battled a degenerative nerve condition called Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, which affects his balance and mobility. Although there is no cure for this genetic condition, Alan remains determined to perform and share his music for many more years to come.

Thankfully, Alan has his wife Denise by his side, providing unwavering support. The couple, who have been married since 1979 and recently celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary, have faced adversity together. Denise herself overcame colorectal cancer through chemotherapy, an experience that deepened their appreciation for life and the things that truly matter.

To add to their happiness, Alan and Denise recently became proud grandparents when their daughter Ali and her husband Sam Bradshaw welcomed their first child, Jackson Alvie Bradshaw, into the world. This new addition to the family has brought immense joy, and Alan and Denise couldn’t be happier to embrace this new role.

Alan Jackson’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of music to heal and uplift. Through triumphs and tribulations, he continues to inspire millions with his music, and his unwavering love and support for his family. As we look forward to what the future holds for this country star, let us celebrate his enduring spirit and offer our prayers to him and his family.

Prayers for you, Alan, and your family. One of my favorite singers!