Pop star Justin Timberlake is now prioritizing his recovery after publicly revealing a diagnosis of Lyme disease. In an Instagram post on July 31, the 44-year-old described the condition as “relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically.”
A source familiar with the situation said Timberlake ended his two-year “Forget Tomorrow World Tour” in Istanbul on July 30 and immediately shifted his focus to his health, family and healing.
“He’s been focused on healing and taking care of himself,” the source said. “He wants to be the best dad and husband.”
Tour Struggles and Diagnosis
Timberlake revealed he had been experiencing nerve pain, extreme fatigue and unexplained sickness during the tour. “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,” he wrote.
According to family sources, he “pushed through for months before finally getting answers.” His wife, Jessica Biel, reportedly “could tell that he wasn’t himself” and encouraged him to seek help.
The tick-borne illness, which is spread by infected black-legged ticks, can begin with flu-like symptoms and a rash, and may advance to joint, nerve or heart complications if untreated.
Timberlake acknowledged his diagnosis came after a challenging tour run. “I was faced with a personal decision. Stop touring? Or, keep going and figure it out,” he wrote. “I decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I’m so glad I kept going.”
Now, the singer is stepping back from activity to rest and recover. “The plan is to rest, spend time with Jess and the kids and do everything he can to heal,” a family source told People.
Since his tour wrapped, Timberlake and Biel have reportedly spent time outdoors in Montana and Colorado with their sons, taking a quieter rhythm.
“In the days after the tour ended, he posted a photo of himself in a sweatshirt that read, ‘I’m not doing s–t today. Mission accomplished.’” the media noted.
In his original message, Timberlake said he shared his diagnosis not “so you feel bad for me — but to shed some light on what I’ve been up against behind the scenes.”
Raising Awareness on Lyme Disease
Lyme disease affects an estimated 476,000 people annually in the U.S., though researchers say many cases go unreported.
Experts say Timberlake’s public openness could help shine light on an illness that is often misunderstood. “Living with this can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically,” he wrote.
Preventive measures include wearing insect repellent, doing tick checks after outdoor activities and removing ticks promptly with tweezers. Early treatment is critical, as later-stage Lyme disease can involve chronic symptoms and nerve or heart complications.