Justin Timberlake is shedding light on a private health struggle. The 44-year-old pop star revealed on Instagram that he has been battling Lyme disease—a diagnosis he says has impacted both his mind and body, even as he powered through his recently concluded Forget Tomorrow tour.
“I’ve been battling some health issues and was diagnosed with Lyme disease — which I’m not sharing for sympathy, but to let you know what’s been happening behind the scenes,” Timberlake wrote in a candid post accompanied by behind-the-scenes photos from the tour.
Reflecting on his performances, including a recent appearance at the 2025 BottleRock Napa Valley Festival, Timberlake said the illness presented intense physical and mental challenges. “If you’ve experienced this disease or know someone who has, then you know: living with it can be relentlessly debilitating. I’d be onstage in extreme nerve pain or dealing with overwhelming fatigue,” he explained.
The diagnosis, while shocking, helped make sense of what he was experiencing. Faced with the decision to pause or push through, Timberlake chose to continue performing. “The joy that performing brings me far outweighs the stress my body was going through. I’m so glad I kept going,” he wrote.
His announcement quickly prompted an outpouring of support from fans online—along with concern and questions. One user on X (formerly Twitter) asked, “Is there a cure for Lyme disease?”
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia bacteria transmitted through tick bites. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms may include rash, joint pain, muscle weakness, fatigue, and neurological complications if left untreated.
Can It Be Cured?
Yes—if caught early. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that most cases of Lyme disease can be effectively treated with a 10–14 day course of antibiotics. “People treated with appropriate antibiotics in the early stages of Lyme disease usually recover rapidly and completely,” the CDC states.
Timberlake did not share specifics about his treatment, but emphasized the importance of awareness and perseverance: “This is something a lot of people live with. I’m grateful I now know what it is and can take steps forward.”
Fans and fellow artists have since flooded Timberlake’s post with support and well-wishes for his recovery.
