On the evening of May 28, 2025, the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, became the hallowed ground for a bittersweet moment in country music history. Alan Jackson, the towering figure who defined an era of traditional country with his heartfelt lyrics and timeless melodies, took the stage for what he declared would be his final concert. After more than three decades on the road, selling over 66 million records worldwide, and earning 17 ACM Awards, the 66-year-old icon bid farewell to touring, leaving fans in tears and the industry reflecting on the end of a legendary chapter. This was the final song, the final concert—the last time we’ll ever see Alan Jackson on stage.
Jackson’s decision to retire from touring didn’t come as a complete surprise to those who had followed his journey. In 2021, he publicly revealed his diagnosis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a degenerative nerve condition that affects balance and mobility. Despite the challenges, Jackson continued to perform, driven by his love for music and his fans. However, posts found on X in May 2025 confirmed that he had decided to step back, with Jackson himself announcing a “big finale show in Nashville” to cap his touring career. The announcement came after years of speculation, culminating in a heartfelt statement where he expressed gratitude for his fans and a desire to focus on his health and family.
The Bridgestone Arena was sold out within hours of the concert announcement, with 20,000 fans from across the country—and even the world—gathering to witness history. The air was thick with emotion as fans, many wearing cowboy hats and holding signs with messages like “Thank You, Alan” and “We’ll Always Remember When,” filled the venue. Outside, scalpers were reportedly selling tickets for upwards of $1,000, a testament to Jackson’s enduring popularity. Inside, the atmosphere was a mix of celebration and sorrow, as attendees knew they were witnessing the end of an era.
Jackson took the stage at 8 p.m., dressed in his signature look: a white cowboy hat, a simple button-up shirt, and blue jeans. The crowd erupted into a standing ovation that lasted nearly five minutes, with Jackson visibly moved, tipping his hat and wiping his eyes. “Y’all are gonna make this hard for me,” he said with a chuckle, his Georgia drawl as warm as ever. “I’ve been doing this for 35 years, and I can’t believe this is the last time. But I’m so grateful to be here with you tonight.”
The setlist was a journey through Jackson’s illustrious career, carefully curated to honor his fans and his legacy. He opened with “Gone Country,” the 1994 hit that solidified his place in the industry, its upbeat tempo setting a nostalgic tone. The crowd sang along to every word, their voices echoing through the arena. Jackson followed with a string of classics—“Chattahoochee,” “Drive (For Daddy Gene),” and “Livin’ on Love”—each song a time capsule of the ‘90s and early 2000s, when country music was defined by steel guitars and honest storytelling. His voice, though slightly weathered by age and illness, still carried the sincerity that made him a beloved figure.
Midway through the concert, Jackson paused to share a few words about his health. “I’ve been dealing with this CMT for a while now,” he said, his voice steady but emotional. “It’s made things harder, but it’s never taken away my love for this music or for y’all. You’ve kept me going.” The crowd responded with another thunderous ovation, many fans holding up signs that read “We Love You, Alan.” Jackson’s openness about his condition, which he first discussed publicly in 2021, had endeared him even more to his audience, who admired his perseverance.
The emotional peak of the night came when Jackson performed “Remember When,” his 2003 ballad about love, family, and the passage of time. The song, which had recently been highlighted in a viral moment at the 2025 ACM Awards—where Jackson received a lifetime achievement award named after him, as shared in posts on X—took on a deeper meaning in this context. As he sang the lines, “Remember when we said when we turned gray / When the children grow up and move away / We won’t be sad, we’ll be glad / For all the life we’ve had,” the arena was filled with the glow of thousands of phone lights, swaying in unison. Fans openly wept, and even Jackson struggled to hold back tears, his voice cracking slightly as he reached the final chorus.
To lighten the mood, Jackson invited a special guest onstage: his longtime friend and fellow country star, Jake Owen. Owen had recently shared a heartfelt reaction to Jackson’s retirement, as noted in posts on X, praising him as a “true country boy” and an inspiration. The two performed a duet of “Good Time,” a fan favorite from Jackson’s 2008 album, bringing a moment of levity to the emotional evening. Owen, visibly moved, hugged Jackson tightly before leaving the stage, whispering something that made Jackson smile.
As the concert neared its end, Jackson slowed things down with “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning),” his 2001 tribute to the victims of 9/11. The song, which earned him a Grammy and became an anthem of healing for a nation, resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom remembered hearing it in the aftermath of the tragedy. Jackson dedicated the performance to “everyone who’s ever lost someone,” a nod to his own personal losses, including his mother, Ruth, who passed away in 2017.
For his final song, Jackson chose “Angels and Alcohol,” the title track from his 2015 album, a reflective piece about life’s highs and lows. The choice felt symbolic, a quiet acknowledgment of his struggles and triumphs over the years. As he sang the last note, the crowd rose to its feet, delivering a 10-minute standing ovation—the longest of the night. Jackson stood center stage, his hat in hand, soaking in the moment. “I don’t know how to say goodbye,” he said, his voice breaking. “So I’ll just say thank you. Thank you for letting me sing for you all these years.”
The concert ended with a montage on the arena’s screens, showcasing highlights from Jackson’s career: his first No. 1 hit, “Here in the Real World” in 1990; his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2017; and countless moments of him connecting with fans, from small honky-tonks to sold-out stadiums. As the montage played, Jackson walked offstage, waving one last time, leaving the audience in a state of reverent silence.
The impact of Jackson’s final concert rippled far beyond the Bridgestone Arena. Social media platforms like X lit up with tributes, with fans sharing photos, videos, and memories of the night. One user wrote, “I’ve been a fan since I was a kid. Seeing Alan Jackson’s last show broke my heart, but I’m so grateful for his music.” Another posted, “Country music won’t be the same without Alan on the road. Thank you for everything.” The hashtag #ThankYouAlan trended worldwide, a testament to his global influence.
In the days following the concert, industry peers paid their respects. George Strait, who collaborated with Jackson on “Murder on Music Row” in 2000, called him “one of the greatest to ever do it.” Carrie Underwood, who performed with Jackson early in her career, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, saying, “Your music taught me what country is all about. We’ll miss seeing you on stage, but your songs will live forever.”
For Jackson, the end of touring doesn’t mean the end of his music. In a statement released on May 29, 2025, he hinted at future projects, saying, “I’m not done making music—just done with the road. I’ve got a few more songs in me yet.” Fans speculated that he might focus on recording, writing, or even mentoring young artists, much like his contemporary Garth Brooks has done in recent years.
As the lights dimmed on Alan Jackson’s final concert, one thing was clear: his legacy is untouchable. With 35 No. 1 hits, 16 CMA Awards, and a catalog that spans generations, Jackson has left an indelible mark on country music. He stayed true to his roots, championing traditional sounds in an era increasingly dominated by pop influences, and his authenticity resonated with millions. For those who were at Bridgestone Arena on May 28, 2025, and for fans around the world, the memory of Jackson’s last performance will linger—a fitting farewell to a man who gave country music some of its most cherished moments.
