Alan Jackson: A Country Music Legend
Alan Jackson, the 64-year-old country music legend, has captivated audiences for four decades with his unique blend of traditional country music and honky tonk. With over 80 million recordings sold, his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2017, and his membership in the Grand Ole Opry, it’s clear that Alan’s talent is unmatched. But behind the success, Alan has faced some heartbreaking tragedies.
In 2018, Alan’s son-in-law, Ben Selecman, lost his life in a tragic boating accident. The 28-year-old, who was married to Alan’s daughter Mattie Jackson Selecman, was trying to assist a woman onto a boat when he collapsed and suffered severe head injuries. Despite immediate medical attention, Ben couldn’t be saved. The loss of Ben has left the Jackson family grieving, and their pain is felt deeply by those who knew him.
Ben Selecman was an Assistant District Attorney at Davidson County District Attorney Glenn Funk’s office, where he was known for his sense of humor and unwavering dedication. Colleagues at the office expressed their profound sadness at his untimely passing, emphasizing Ben’s incredible contributions to their team. Alan and his family are grateful for the time Ben spent with them and remember him fondly.
In the midst of these tragedies, Alan Jackson found solace in his music. His albums “Angels & Alcohol” in 2015 and “Where Have You Gone” from earlier this year were inspired by the pain and loss Alan and his family experienced.
Family is everything to Alan, and nothing compares to the love and support they provide. Mattie, Alan’s daughter, has been mourning the loss of her husband for three years, and Alan has been by her side every step of the way. The father-daughter duo even collaborated and wrote a song together called “Racing the Dark,” which will be available for download upon purchasing Mattie’s upcoming book, “Lemons on Friday: Trusting God Through My Greatest Heartbreak.” In her book, Mattie shares how her faith helped her navigate the healing process and discusses her journey of finding new strength through co-founding NaSHEville, a business empowering women in Music City.
Alan himself has also faced personal health challenges. In an exclusive interview with Today, he revealed that he has been dealing with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a degenerative nerve disorder, for the past ten years. This genetic condition affects his ability to walk and maintain balance, primarily impacting his arms and legs. Despite these difficulties, Alan remains determined to continue performing and sharing his music with the world.
Alan’s resilience and unwavering spirit are an inspiration to us all. Let’s keep him and his family in our thoughts and prayers, as we cherish the music that has touched our lives. Alan Jackson, a true country music legend who continues to shine brightly.
Alan Eugene Jackson (born October 17, 1958) is an American singer-songwriter. He is known for performing a style widely regarded as “neotraditional country”, as well as penning many of his own songs. Jackson has recorded 21 studio albums, including two Christmas albums, and two gospel albums, as well as released three greatest-hits albums.
