Justin Timberlake Opens Up About Health Struggles, Uncertainty Surrounding Onstage Performances

Justin Timberlake is reflecting on his The Forget Tomorrow and his JT Live ’25 tours and sharing some personal news with his fan.

In an Instagram post alongside several photos from his time on tour, Timberlake wrote that the last two years were “incredible,” but as they “come to an end,” he’s now looking “forward to the future.”

As a result, Timberlake said he “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,” the former N*SYNC member continued. “I have been doing this for 30+ years (which feels crazy to say) –– and have given all that I have to this.”

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But he says he couldn’t have had the career that he’s had “without my family, friends, The TN Kids, and all of YOUR support.”

“As many of you know, I’m a pretty private person,” Timberlake noted. “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,” Timberlake revealed, “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.”

Timberlake said when he was first diagnosed he “was shocked,” but helped him better understand the way he was feeling onstage.

“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,” he explained. “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.

“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,” Timberlake explained.

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The singer says he hopes that by being open about his private battles 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.”

Timberlake continued his reflection by sharing a thank you message to all the fans “who cam to see me on The Forget Tomorrow Tour or JT Live ‘25 (or any other tour or show throughout the years for that matter).”

“Your energy and love continues to humble me. Your signs, messages, and DIY t-shirts have made me laugh and smile so many times. And, hearing and watching you all sing these songs, word for word, at the top of your lungs, will forever leave me in awe. You have made my dreams come true.”

In a message to his crew, band, singers, and dancers, Timberlake says “it takes a special type of person” to tour, calling tour life “like nothing else.”

“You all have been such a beautiful family away from home for me. I will always treasure our time these last couple of years together. There really is no way to put into words the feeling of being on a stage and getting to share the experience of live music with all of you. It’s a vibration of frequency that is unmatched. Sacred to me.”

As for his future, Timberlake says he “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,” something he says he doesn’t take “for granted.”

“To Jess, Silas, and Phin,” he concluded his statement. “Nothing is more powerful than your unconditional love. You are my heart and my home. I’m on my way…”