Reba McEntire stunned country music fans this week when she publicly expressed deep regret for her longtime friend and fellow country superstar Alan Jackson following what has now been confirmed as his farewell tour. In an emotional statement released on Thursday, McEntire revealed that she wishes she had done more to support Jackson during his final performances, and disclosed a heartbreaking update that has left admirers of both artists reeling.

In her message, McEntire began by acknowledging Jackson’s unwavering dedication to his craft over a career that spanned more than four decades. “Alan has given all of himself to the music he loves, night after night, sharing stories and songs that have shaped the soundtrack of our lives,” she said. However, McEntire admitted that as Jackson prepared to close this final chapter—aptly titled “The Last Rodeo Tour: The Goodbye Stage”—she feels she fell short of showing him the full measure of appreciation he deserves.

“I regret not being there on every stop,” Reba confessed through tears. “When he announced his retirement from touring earlier this year, I was so overwhelmed with my own schedule and personal obligations that I missed opportunities to send him a note, to make a surprise appearance, or simply to attend a show and stand by his side. I wish I could turn back time and make it right. He is a brother to me in music, and I let him down.”

Reba’s candid admission struck a chord across social media platforms, where fans have rallied to console her and, at the same time, to express their own sense of loss now that Jackson has reportedly completed his final live performances. Jackson’s last concert took place on May 30 in Nashville, drawing thousands of supporters and culminating in a standing ovation so thunderous it shook the arena. Yet according to McEntire, the moment carries added weight now that she has learned of Jackson’s declining health.

Sources close to Jackson have confirmed that the 67-year-old singer has been privately battling a neurological condition throughout the duration of his farewell tour. McEntire did not specify the exact nature of his illness, but she revealed that Jackson’s health struggles became apparent to those closest to him as early as last winter, a fact he chose to keep from the public to preserve the celebratory spirit of his send-off.

“Alan didn’t want to burden anyone,” Reba explained. “He told me he wanted fans to remember his music, not worry about him. But now that the shows are over, he is focusing on his family and his well-being. I wish I had known how serious things were sooner. I would have dropped everything to be there for him.”

The revelation has prompted an outpouring of concern from the country music community. Fellow artists such as Vince Gill, Martina McBride, and Garth Brooks have already expressed their support, sharing memories of Jackson’s kindness backstage and praising his decision to prioritize dignity and artistry over public sympathy. Meanwhile, fans have launched the hashtag #PrayForAlan, sending Jackson messages of love and encouragement as he transitions away from the spotlight.

Reba McEntire also used her statement to address the reality of life beyond the stage. “Retiring was never easy for Alan, and it will never be easy for us to imagine our concerts without him,” she said. “But he has made it clear that he needs time to focus on health and family. That is the most heartbreaking update I can share—the knowledge that we cannot hear his voice on stage anymore. But we can honor him by cherishing the legacy he left behind.”

In closing, McEntire appealed directly to fans: “If you ever have the chance to tell someone you love how much they mean to you, do it today. Because you never know how fleeting that opportunity might be. Alan has filled our hearts with music for so many years. Let’s fill his with our gratitude and prayers now.”

As the country music world processes this bittersweet news, it is clear that while Alan Jackson’s final tour may be over, his influence on the genre will endure. Reba McEntire’s heartfelt regret and poignant update remind us all that beyond the glamour of the stage lies the fragile reality of human life—and that sometimes, the most meaningful support comes not from a microphone, but from a friend’s unwavering presence.