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Justin Timberlake has revealed that he was diagnosed with Lyme disease while performing on his recently concluded Forget Tomorrow world tour. In an emotional Instagram post shared on Thursday, July 31, 2025, the singer described the illness as “relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically.”
Timberlake admitted he considered cancelling the tour after learning of his condition but ultimately chose to continue for the love of performing. “When I was first diagnosed, I considered not continuing with the tour,” he wrote. “But I decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighed the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I’m so glad I kept going.”
The announcement came just one day after Timberlake wrapped up the final show of the tour in Turkey. He expressed gratitude toward fans and his tour crew, calling the experience “personally transformative.” “I honestly don’t know what my future is onstage. But I’ll always cherish this run! And all of them before! It’s been the stuff of legend for me,” he added.
In the post, Timberlake acknowledged that he is generally private about personal matters, explaining why he had kept the diagnosis under wraps during the tour. “I’m a pretty private person,” he said.
Lyme disease is caused by bacteria transmitted through the bite of infected deer ticks. Early symptoms include fatigue, fever, headache, and joint pain. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications, including neurological issues and arthritis. Most cases are treatable with antibiotics, though some patients experience lingering symptoms even after recovery. According to the CDC, roughly 476,000 people in the U.S. are treated for Lyme disease each year.
Family Support
Timberlake concluded his post by thanking his wife, actress Jessica Biel, and their two sons, Silas and Phin, for their unwavering support. “Nothing is more powerful than your unconditional love. You are my heart and my home. I’m on my way,” he wrote.