(KTLA) — Singer Justin Timberlake has just wrapped up his Forget Tomorrow World Tour and gave his fans a major update on his health.
In a lengthy post on Instagram Thursday morning, the singer got personal.
“As these incredible two years draw to a close and I look toward what lies ahead, I felt compelled to share something heartfelt. Trying to summarize the whirlwind of touring is no easy feat, but here goes nothing…” he expressed. “This experience has been the most fun, emotional, and rewarding yet also physically taxing and, at times, exhausting. Having done this for over 30 years (which still feels unbelievable to say), I’ve poured everything I have into it. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my family, friends, The TN Kids, and all of you.”
He continued by sharing that while he tends to be “a pretty private person,” during his time on the road, he felt it was important to let his fans know “a little bit” about what he’s been dealing with.
“Among other things, I’ve been contending with some health challenges and received a diagnosis of Lyme disease—not to seek sympathy, but to bring awareness to what I’ve been facing behind the scenes. Those who’ve grappled with this illness or know someone who has can understand it’s cripplingly relentless, impacting both mentally and physically,” he disclosed.
The “SexyBack” performer shared his initial shock upon receiving the diagnosis, but it brought clarity to the “intense nerve pain” and “overwhelming fatigue or illness” he often experienced, particularly on stage.
“It came down to a personal choice. Should I stop touring, or persevere and find a way through it? I chose the immense joy of performing, which far surpassed the temporary discomfort my body endured. I’m relieved I continued,” he elaborated. “It reinforced my own mental resilience, and now I possess countless cherished memories with all of you that I’ll treasure forever. My upbringing taught me to keep such matters private, yet I’m learning to be more open about my challenges to prevent any misconceptions.”
In sharing this, he hopes it can help everyone “find a way to be more connected.”
“I’d like to do my part to help others experiencing this disease too.”
This recent tour marked the ex-*NSYNC member’s seventh headlining concert tour and was the first in five years, following the release of his sixth studio album, “Everything I Thought It Was.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia bacteria, typically carried by ticks. Symptoms come in stages.
Stage 1 symptoms include:
- Fever.
- Headache.
- Extreme tiredness.
- Joint stiffness.
- Muscle aches and pains.
- Swollen lymph nodes.
Stage 2 includes Stage 1 symptoms and the following:
- Many rashes on other parts of the body.
- Neck pain or stiffness.
- Muscle weakness on one or both sides of the face.
- Immune-system activity in heart tissue that causes irregular heartbeats.
- Pain that starts from the back and hips and spreads to the legs.
- Pain, numbness or weakness in the hands or feet.
- Painful swelling in tissues of the eye or eyelid.
- Immune-system activity in eye nerves that causes pain or vision loss.
“In the third stage, you may have symptoms from the earlier stages and other symptoms. This stage is called late disseminated disease,” the Mayo Clinic said. “In the United States, the most common condition of this stage is arthritis in large joints, particularly the knees. Pain, swelling or stiffness may last for a long time. Or the symptoms may come and go. Stage 3 symptoms usually begin 2 to 12 months after a tick bite.”
