Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease has quietly impacted some of Nashvilleâs brightest stars, from beloved country icon Alan Jackson to rising â9-1-1: Nashvilleâ actor Isabelle Tate, whose life was tragically cut short at just 23. So, what is this rare disease?
Understanding Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
â9-1-1: Nashvilleâ Tateâs cause of death has been confirmed as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a rare neurological disorder.
In an Instagram post, the McCray Agency revealed that Tate had been living with a rare form of the disease and encouraged donations to the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association in lieu of flowers.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is a hereditary neurological disorder that causes damage to peripheral nervesâthe nerves outside the brain and spinal cordâaccording to the Mayo Clinic. Over time, it weakens and shrinks muscles, primarily in the legs and feet, leading to difficulty walking and loss of sensation. Other common symptoms include high arches, hammertoes, clumsiness, or trouble lifting the foot.
Named after doctors Jean-Martin Charcot and Pierre Marie in Paris, and Howard Henry Tooth in Cambridge, who first identified it in 1886, CMT is one of the most common inherited nerve disorders. Cedars Sinai reports that while most people with the disease live a normal lifespan, severe cases can affect breathing muscles, making it potentially life-threatening.
In her final Instagram post in 2022, Tate spoke candidly about her diagnosis.
âWhen I was 13, I got diagnosed with a progressive neuromuscular disease that weakens leg muscles over time,â she wrote. âRecently, itâs really progressed, and Iâve come to terms that if I want to live my life to the fullest, I need to use a wheelchair at times.â
She continued, âThis has been a difficult journey for me because having to accept help and surrender to the progression of this condition has been hard.â
Alan Jacksonâs Public Battle With CMT Disease
Country legend Alan Jackson is another Nashville icon who has opened up about living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. The Country Music Hall of Famer revealed in 2021 that he had been battling the hereditary nerve condition for over a decade.
âI have this neuropathy and neurological disease that I inherited from my daddy,â he explained to Today first in 2021 and again earlier this year. âIt has been affecting me for years, and it is getting more and more obvious.â
The disease affects Jacksonâs balance and coordination, sometimes causing him to stumble during performances. âItâs not going to kill me,â he said. âItâs just going to disable me eventually.â
Despite the challenges, Jackson continued performing. His 2022 “Last Call: One More for the Road” tour became an emotional farewell to fans who have supported him for over thirty years. âIâve always admired my heroes like George Jones, Merle Haggard, and Loretta Lynn who played as long as they could,â Jackson shared. âI want to do that too, for as long as my health allows.â
At his Milwaukee concert in May 2025, Jackson told fans, âYâall may have heard that I am winding down. In fact, this is my last road show of my career.â The audience responded with cheers and tears as Jackson reflected, âIt has been a long, sweet ride. I lived the American dream, and I am so blessed.â
The post What Is Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease? Country Icon & ‘9-1-1: Nashville’ Star Shared the Same Diagnosis appeared first on EntertainmentNow.