What began as a simple thank-you note to fans quickly turned emotional, as singer and songwriter Justin Timberlake revealed that he has been diagnosed with Lyme disease — a bacterial infection spread by tick bites.
The illness often begins with symptoms like a rash, fever, fatigue, headaches, and joint or muscle pain. If not treated early, it can lead to more severe complications affecting the nervous system, heart, and joints.
The SexyBack hitmaker took to Instagram on Thursday to share the heartfelt news with the world. In his post, he admitted that putting his thoughts into words wasn’t easy — trying to capture the whirlwind of touring and the weight of his diagnosis. Still, he promised to speak from the heart.
Here’s how Justin started his post:
“Well, as these two incredible years come to an end and I look forward to the future, I wanted to write something from the heart. It’s not an easy task to try to contextualize the whirlwind of touring –– but, I will try…
“This has been the most fun, emotional, gratifying, physically demanding, and, at times, grueling experience. I have been doing this for 30+ years (which feels crazy to say) –– and have given all that I have to this. I could not have done it without my family, friends, The TN Kids, and all of YOUR support,” Justin wrote.
Confession
Midway through his appreciation post, the tone suddenly shifted. His thank-you message took a personal turn, leading to a heartfelt confession. As Justin continued writing, he let fans in on something much deeper. Here’s how he broke the news to the world:
“As many of you know, I’m a pretty private person. But as I’m reflecting on the tour and festival tour – I want to tell you a little bit about what’s going on with me.
“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. 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. When I first got the diagnosis I was shocked for sure.
“But, at least I could understand why I would be onstage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or, just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness. I was faced with a personal decision. Stop touring? Or, keep going and figure it out. 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.
Overcoming reluctancy to speak out
As he neared the end of his post, Justin opened up about his hesitation to share such personal news, admitting that he was raised to keep things like this private. Here’s how he continued his message:
“Not only did I prove my mental tenacity to myself but, I now have so many special moments with all of you that I will never forget. I was reluctant to talk about this because I was always raised to keep something like this to yourself. But I am trying to be more transparent about my struggles so that they aren’t misinterpreted.
“Sharing all of this with the hope that we can all find a way to be more connected. I’d like to do my part to help others experiencing this disease too,” he wrote.
Justin Timberlake now joins a growing list of celebrities who have also faced life with Lyme disease — among them are Avril Lavigne, Shania Twain, Justin Bieber, and Alec Baldwin, to name a few.
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