Justin Timberlake recently shared a personal health revelation with his fans. On Instagram, he took a moment to reflect on the conclusion of his two-year Forget Tomorrow tour, while also addressing his ongoing battle with Lyme disease. Although he considers himself “a pretty private person,” he felt it was important to explain his struggles.
“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,” Timberlake stated. He elaborated on the impact of the disease: “If you’ve experienced this disease or know someone who has — then you’re aware: living with this can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically.”
Timberlake described his initial shock upon receiving the diagnosis and how it helped clarify his intense pain and fatigue during performances. He faced a critical choice: to stop touring or to push through the discomfort. Ultimately, he chose to continue performing, stating that the joy it brings him outweighed the physical challenges. “I’m so glad I kept going,” he shared.
The singer expressed pride in demonstrating his resilience and noted the special moments he created during his tour, moments he cherishes deeply. Timberlake admitted he was hesitant to discuss his health struggles, as he was raised to keep such issues private. However, he aims to be more open to foster connection with others facing similar battles, saying, “Sharing all of this with the hope that we can all find a way to be more connected.”
He concluded his heartfelt message by thanking his crew and fans for their support, stating they “will forever leave me in awe.” Timberlake reflected on the magic of live music, describing it as “a vibration of frequency that is unmatched” and expressing gratitude for his experiences on stage. He also shared a poignant message for his wife, Jessica Biel, and their two sons, Silas and Phin: “My heart is filled with gratitude! Love each other. Be good to each other. Don’t take it for granted… You are my heart and my home.”
Timberlake’s candid remarks come at a time of criticism he has faced online from concertgoers who labeled some performances as underwhelming. The Forget Tomorrow tour commenced in April 2024, shortly after the release of his album *Everything I Thought It Was*. As reported by Billboard, the tour grossed $73.2 million across 41 shows, making Timberlake the 10th top touring artist in Billboard’s midyear Boxscore report. Other artists like Shania Twain, Avril Lavigne, and Justin Bieber have also publicly shared their experiences with Lyme disease.
