Justin Timberlake reveals Lyme disease diagnosis: ‘Relentlessly debilitating’

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LOS ANGELES - Justin Timberlake has revealed that he is suffering with Lyme disease – a bacterial infection.

The pop star shared the news on Thursday, one day after closing out his Forget Tomorrow World Tour.

Justin Timberlake has Lyme disease

What they're saying:

In an Instagram post, Timberlake shared photos from his time on the road touring and wrote, "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." 

The 44-year-old 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. 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." 

Justin Timberlake performs onstage during the 5th Lollapalooza Paris Festival on July 20, 2025 in Paris, France. (Credit: Lyvans Boolaky/WireImage)

Timberlake added, "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." 

What is Lyme disease?

Dig deeper:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread to people through the bite of blacklegged ticks.

Typical symptoms can include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart and the nervous system.

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Lyme disease is most common in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and upper-Midwest regions of the United States.

Other celebrities, including Avril Lavigne, Yolanda Hadid and Amy Schumer, have opened up about having Lyme disease diagnoses. 

Timberlake’s Forget Tomorrow World Tour comes to close

Big picture view:

Timberlake’s post marks the end of more than a year of touring on his Forget Tomorrow trek, which kicked off in April 2024.

Last year, he also released the album "Everything I Thought It Was." According to Billboard’s midyear Boxscore report, Timberlake was the 10th top touring artist, grossing $73.2 million across 41 shows as of late May.