Pop star Justin Timberlake has revealed he has been battling Lyme disease — a serious illness caused by tick bites. The 44-year-old singer made the announcement on Instagram at the end of his “Forget Tomorrow” world tour, which wrapped up in Turkey on July 30, 2025.
Timberlake shared that the disease left him feeling extremely tired, sick, and in pain, especially during his performances. He called it “relentlessly debilitating” and said it took a toll on both his body and mind. Still, he chose to continue the tour because performing brings him joy.
“I proved my strength to myself,” he wrote. “And I made memories with fans that I’ll never forget.”
He said he usually keeps his personal life private but opened up about his condition to raise awareness and help others going through the same thing.
Lyme disease is caused by bacteria that deer ticks carry. A person may get it from a tick bite, and early signs include a bull’s-eye rash, fever, chills, tiredness, sore throat, and muscle pain. Most people can recover with a 2-week course of antibiotics, but for some, the disease becomes harder to treat and may cause long-term problems.
Justin had already shown signs of health issues in 2024, when he canceled several shows. Now, fans know why. He thanked his family, especially wife Jessica Biel and their sons, for their support during this tough time.
Tick bites have been on the rise in the U.S., and doctors say climate change may be causing ticks to spread to new areas. Experts advise people to be careful when spending time outdoors, especially in grassy or wooded places.
There is no approved vaccine for Lyme disease right now, though trials are underway for a new one.
Justin Timberlake’s honesty is shining a light on a disease that many people face in silence. His message: stay strong, stay informed, and support each other.
