Justin Timberlake has revealed he has been diagnosed with Lyme disease. The singer and former NSYNC star made the announcement on Instagram Thursday while reflecting on his recently concluded Forget Tomorrow tour, which wrapped up in Turkey on Wednesday.
Timberlake described the illness as “relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically,” adding that he briefly considered ending the tour after his diagnosis. “I decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I’m so glad I kept going,” he wrote.
The “SexyBack” singer, who noted he is a private person, also expressed gratitude for the experience, writing, “I honestly don’t know what my future is onstage, but I’ll always cherish this run. And all of them before. It’s been the stuff of legend for me.”
Lyme disease, which is spread by deer ticks, often leads to flu-like symptoms, joint pain, neurological complications, and other health issues. Most cases can be treated effectively with antibiotics.
Throughout the tour, Timberlake had to cancel and reschedule several shows due to health concerns, including bouts of bronchitis, laryngitis, and the flu. In February, he postponed six US shows that were originally scheduled for October and November. He later cancelled the final US show of the tour, which was to take place in Ohio, due to illness.
Representatives for Timberlake have not yet responded to a request for comment from the Associated Press.
The ten-time Grammy winner also faced public scrutiny in 2024 after pleading guilty to driving while impaired in the Hamptons, New York. As part of his plea agreement, Timberlake appeared in a public service announcement urging people not to drink and drive.
In his Instagram post, Timberlake thanked his wife, actress Jessica Biel, and their sons, Silas and Phin. “Nothing is more powerful than your unconditional love. You are my heart and my home. I’m on my way,” he wrote.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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