Justin Timberlake is getting real with fans about a personal health challenge he faced while touring, revealing in a heartfelt post that he has been diagnosed with Lyme disease.
Taking to the Gram, Timberlake reflected on the last two years of performing and the physical toll it has taken. “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,” he wrote. “This has been the most fun, emotional, gratifying, physically demanding, and at times, grueling experience. I have been doing this for 30 plus 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.”
While Timberlake is known for keeping most of his private life away from the spotlight, he chose this moment to be transparent about his health. “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,” he continued.
“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,” he explained. “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 admitted the diagnosis took him by surprise but helped make sense of the intense symptoms he had been experiencing on the road. “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.”
Faced with a major decision, Timberlake had to weigh whether to stop the tour or push through. “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.”