LOS ANGELES (AP) — Justin Timberlake has been diagnosed with Lyme disease.
Timberlake shared the news on Thursday in an Instagram post commemorating his Forget Tomorrow tour, which wrapped up in Turkey on Wednesday, adding that the illness “can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically.”
The “SexyBack” singer, who described himself as a private individual, wrote that he considered shortening the tour when he was diagnosed, but added that “I decided that the joy I get from performing far outweighs the temporary stress my body was feeling. I’m so glad I kept going.”
Lyme disease is carried by Ixodes ticks, also known as deer ticks. It can produce flu-like symptoms, neurological problems, joint pain and other signs. In the vast majority of cases, Lyme disease responds successfully to antibiotics.
“Honestly, I don’t know what my future on stage looks like, but I will always treasure this chapter—and all those before it! It has been legendary for me,” Timberlake wrote.
Timberlake canceled and postponed several shows throughout the tour, citing health issues, including bronchitis and laryngitis. Six of his United States shows were moved from October and November to February, the singer announced on Instagram. Timberlake ultimately canceled the final U.S. stop of the tour in Ohio due to the flu in February.
Timberlake’s representatives did not respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press.
Timberlake pleaded guilty to driving under the influence in the Hamptons, New York, in 2024. As part of his plea deal, the singer issued a public safety announcement in September, urging drivers not to get behind the wheel after drinking.
The ten-time Grammy winner closed the post by thanking his wife, Jessica Biel, and his children, Silas and Phin, saying “Nothing is stronger than their unconditional love. You are my heart and my home. I’m on my way.”
About Lyme Disease
Exactly how often Lyme disease occurs remains somewhat unclear. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cite insurance records indicating that roughly 476,000 people are treated for Lyme disease in the United States each year.
Black-legged ticks, also called deer ticks, carry the bacterium that causes Lyme disease.
The infection typically triggers fatigue, fever and joint pain. Often, though not always, the first sign is a red, circular rash resembling a bull’s-eye.
Early antibiotic treatment is crucial, but many people may not realize they were bitten by a tick, some as small as a pinhead. If Lyme disease is left untreated, it can lead to severe arthritis and damage to the heart and nervous system. Some individuals experience persistent symptoms even after treatment.
