In a shocking health revelation just a day after wrapping up his Forget Tomorrow World Tour, Justin Timberlake announced he has been diagnosed with a “relentlessly debilitating” disease.
The 44-year-old singer took to Instagram to confirm he has Lyme disease. In his post, he explained: “Among other things, I’ve been battling some health issues, and was diagnosed with Lyme disease — which I don’t say so you feel bad for me — but to shed some light on what I’ve been up against behind the scenes.”
Lyme disease is known for symptoms like joint pain and headaches. Timberlake shared that living with the disease can be “relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically.”
When he first received the diagnosis, he said he was shocked, but it helped him understand the massive amount of nerve pain, fatigue, and sickness he felt while performing. He was faced with a choice: “Stop touring? Or, keep going and figure it out.”
Timberlake chose to continue performing, explaining that the joy it brings him “far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling.” He admitted he is glad he kept going, as it helped him prove his “mental tenacity” and create more happy memories.
He also confessed that he is “trying to be more transparent about my struggles so that they aren’t misinterpreted” and plans to help others experiencing the disease.
Justin thanked everyone who made his tour dreams come true, describing the feeling of being on stage as a “vibration of frequency that is unmatched” and “sacred” to him. He expressed uncertainty about his future onstage but said he will “always cherish this run.” He signed off by thanking his wife and kids, calling them his “heart and my home.”
Fans were quick to share their love and support in the comments, thanking him for his openness and dedication. One user gushed, “Thank you for being open and thank you for pushing through to continue performing! I saw you 3x this tour and each time was phenomenal!” Another added, “A lifetime of healing vibes and energy to you as you battle this. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to us, the fans.”
