Justin Timberlake Waited ‘Months’ for Lyme Disease Diagnosis, Wife Jessica Biel ‘Could Tell He Wasn’t Himself’

Justin Timberlake is receiving an outpouring of support after going public with his Lyme disease diagnosis — with wife Jessica Biel standing by his side through it all.

The 10-time Grammy winner shared the news on social media on Thursday, July 31, and according to a family source who spoke with PEOPLE, the diagnosis has given Timberlake “clarity” after months of unexplained symptoms. Biel, meanwhile, has been described as “incredibly supportive.”

At first, Timberlake, 44, believed the fatigue and discomfort he was experiencing on tour were just the natural effects of aging and returning to life on the road. He recently wrapped his two-year Forget Tomorrow World Tour, launched in support of his 2024 studio album Everything I Thought It Was.

“He’s not 20 anymore,” the source said. “But when his symptoms worsened, he realized something deeper was going on. He pushed through for months before finally getting answers. The Lyme disease diagnosis brought clarity to a series of unexplained issues that he’s been quietly dealing with.”

Biel, 43, reportedly sensed something was wrong. “She felt like something was off and encouraged him to get checked out,” the source continued. “She could tell that he wasn’t himself. She’s incredibly supportive.”

PEOPLE has reached out to representatives for both Timberlake and Biel.

In his Instagram post, Timberlake spoke candidly about his condition, saying he wanted to “shed some light on what I’ve been up against behind the scenes.” His revelation followed criticism about the energy in some of his recent performances.

“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,” Timberlake wrote, adding that he was “shocked for sure” by the diagnosis.

“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 added.

Now, Timberlake is shifting his focus toward recovery and rest.

“He’s taking it seriously,” said the source. “The plan is to rest, spend time with Jess and the kids, and do everything he can to heal.” Timberlake and Biel share two sons: Silas, 10, and Phineas, 5. “He loved touring and being back onstage, but he’s also relieved it’s over. Now he can focus on his health.”

According to the Cleveland Clinic, Lyme disease is typically spread through the bite of an infected tick. Early symptoms can resemble the flu — fatigue, fever, headaches, joint pain — and are often accompanied by a rash. If left untreated, the disease can lead to more serious issues such as facial paralysis, brain fog, nerve damage, and swollen joints.

Throughout his tour, Timberlake had postponed or canceled performances due to an ongoing back injury, bronchitis, laryngitis, and an ankle injury.

In his Instagram post, Timberlake admitted, “I was reluctant to talk about this because I was always raised to keep something like this to yourself.”

“But I am trying to be more transparent about my struggles so that they aren’t misinterpreted,” he added. “Sharing all of this with the hope that we can all find a way to be more connected. I’d like to do my part to help others experiencing this disease too.”

Following his announcement, Timberlake’s *NSYNC bandmates rallied behind him. Chris Kirkpatrick praised his longtime friend in an Instagram post, writing that watching Timberlake perform while battling Lyme disease “showed me a whole new level of strength.”

“Watching him battle Lyme disease day in and day out, while still getting on that stage night after night, was something I’ll never forget,” wrote Kirkpatrick, 53. “The long days, the travel, the exhaustion — and yet, he never gave up. No complaints, no excuses — just heart, grit and pure determination. That kind of resilience is rare.”

He added, “I couldn’t be more proud to call him my friend. Tour life is already a grind, but doing it while fighting Lyme disease? That’s superhero status. Here’s to strength, perseverance, and one hell of a tour. Love you, little bro!”