Inside Alan Jackson’s Final Show—The Country Superstar Sings Hits and Reflects on Legendary Career: ‘This Has Been Incredible’
More than 80,000 fans show up to celebrate the country icon’s final concert
Key Takeaways
- Alan Jackson performed his final concert before 80,000 fans at Nashville's Nissan Stadium.
- Country stars including George Strait and Lainey Wilson honored Jackson with performances.
- While Jackson is retiring from touring, he plans to continue writing and recording new music.
There was a little extra magic in the Nashville air Saturday night as country superstar Alan Jackson took to the stage for his final concert. More than 80,000 people arrived at Music City’s Nissan Stadium for Last Call: One More for the Road—The Finale, which marked the last live show of Jackson’s iconic decades-long career. The venue’s’s atmosphere was equal parts celebration, gratitude and heartfelt farewell—and Woman’s World was in attendance to witness every unforgettable moment!
Inspired by legends like George Jones and Merle Haggard, Jackson has continually championed traditional country over the years by writing autobiographical songs about life, love, big dreams and small towns. With more than 75 million records sold, the Country Music Hall of Famer rose to stardom in the early 1990s with his first #1 hit, “I’d Love You All Over Again.”
And in a now-historic closing celebration, Jackson’s biggest fans from across the globe joined country stars Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, George Strait and Riley Green—among others—in raising a glass of something tall and strong to one of country music’s greatest careers.
Today’s country stars were inspired by Alan Jackson
Around 6pm on Saturday, the packed stadium buzzed with anticipation. Merch lines snaked their way around the building and crowds gathered at bars sprinkled with on-theme signature drinks, while fans donned vintage Alan Jackson shirts complete with cowboy boots and hats.
The show kicked off with a slew of performances from fellow country stars who have all been deeply inspired by Jackson. Each performer selected a beloved Jackson tune to cover and offered a heartfelt anecdote about his impact on their own lives and careers. It was a full circle moment for Carrie Underwood, who revealed something special.
“Back in 1994, a young Carrie Underwood went to the Tulsa State Fair. I went to see Alan Jackson,” Underwood told the crowd. “That was my very first concert I ever went to. Obviously, it made a huge impression.”
She wrapped up her story by reflecting on the final show. “I bet tonight will eclipse that somehow,” she said. “It is an honor to be here, honoring the legendary Alan Jackson.” She then covered “Everything I Love.” Riley Green also took the stage and played “Little Man,” followed by Thomas Rhett with “Small Town Southern Man.”
Luke Bryan energetically walked onto the stage with a smile. “I want to thank Alan Jackson for making my childhood fun,” he said to the audience. “He convinced me to live my dream and move to Nashville.” He then performed “Love’s Got a Hold on You.”
When Texas-born Miranda Lambert made her entrance she fittingly covered “Dallas.” Then Lainey Wilson waltzed out and asked the crowd, “Ya’ll wanna sing some ‘Tall Tall Trees?'” before launching into the song.
A historic farewell
After an hour-long downpour and lightning delay, Jackson finally took the stage around 9:30pm —wearing his trademark blue jeans and cowboy hat—and the stadium roared. “I don’t even have words for what to say tonight—it’s just been completely overwhelming,” the 67-year-old icon warmly addressed the crowd. “I’m just a singer of simple songs… that’s exactly what I am. It’s just been a crazy life and a crazy career and I’ve been blessed, as my mama would say.”
He kicked off his hit-filled set with 1994’s “Gone Country,” and from there, the hits kept coming. Song after song, Jackson’s rich country baritone sounded as strong as ever, even amid ongoing health challenges. About five years ago, Jackson revealed that he had been diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a degenerative nerve condition that affects his balance. Yet throughout the performance, he appeared upbeat and fully engaged, warmly serenading the crowd of 80,000 with his warm, resonant voice.
Hit after hit: From ‘Little Bitty to ‘Chattahootchee’
The nostalgia was fierce as Jackson ran through his 23-song setlist. He sang from the middle of the stage as videos from his hits throughout the 1990s and early 2000s played on screens behind him.
At one point, he sat on a stool and shared emotional anecdotes with the crowd about moving to Nashville, his devoted wife of 46 years, Denise Jackson, his kids and grandchildren and how he still marvels over living his dream. “If anyone has lived the American dream,” he said. “It’s me.”
The two-hour set included a surprise appearance by George Strait, who joined Jackson for their duets “Designated Drinker”—which kicked off with Jackson and Strait toasting and sipping drinks—and “Murder on Music Row.”
During his beautiful performances of “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” and “Remember When,” the crowd sang, and cried, in unison before he segued into fan-favorite hit “Chattahoochee,” complete with a colorful fireworks display. He concluded the set with “Mercury Blues” and “Where I Come From.”
Alan’s next chapter includes more music
While Saturday’s show marked the end of Jackson’s days on the road, fans left with a reassuring reminder that the music will continue. Earlier in the evening, host Kelly Sutton noted that the Country Music Hall of Famer still plans to write and record new music. In fact, An acoustic set mid-show even included a line from “Still the One,” a new single he just released last week.
Jackson’s touring chapter may have come to a close, but his creative journey is far from over—a comforting thought for millions of devoted fans around the world.
How to watch Alan Jackson’s final show
Couldn’t make it to Nashville for the big show? We have excellent news!
Jackson’s once-in-a-lifetime show, Last Call: One More for the Road—The Finale, will be featured in the NBC television special Alan Jackson: The Last Show, airing in December.
Conversation
All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. Woman's World does not endorse the opinions and views shared by our readers in our comment sections. Our comments section is a place where readers can engage in healthy, productive, lively, and respectful discussions. Offensive language, hate speech, personal attacks, and/or defamatory statements are not permitted. Advertising or spam is also prohibited.
