Pop icon Justin Timberlake has revealed he is battling Lyme disease, a condition he described as both mentally and physically exhausting. The announcement came via Instagram shortly after the conclusion of his Forget Tomorrow tour in Turkey.

In the heartfelt post, Timberlake shared that he received the diagnosis during the tour but chose to push through, motivated by his deep love for performing. Despite the toll on his health, the Mirrors singer said, “The joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I’m so glad I kept going.”

Lyme disease, typically contracted through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (commonly known as deer ticks), can lead to a range of symptoms including fatigue, fever, joint pain, and neurological complications. While most cases respond well to antibiotics, early detection is vital, as untreated infections can result in long-term damage to the heart, joints, and nervous system.

Throughout his tour, Timberlake had to cancel and reschedule several performances due to a series of health setbacks, including bronchitis, laryngitis, and the flu. Notably, the final U.S. date in Ohio was canceled entirely in February.

Despite the personal challenges, Timberlake expressed deep gratitude for his fans and family. He gave special thanks to his wife, Jessica Biel, and their sons, Silas and Phin, calling them “my heart and my home.”

The Grammy-winning artist also reflected on the significance of this tour, uncertain about his future on stage but full of appreciation for the experiences so far. “I’ll always cherish this run! And all of them before! It’s been the stuff of legend for me,” he said.

This announcement adds to a turbulent year for Timberlake, who also pleaded guilty to a DWI charge in New York in 2024, leading to a public safety message he delivered later that year.

As Lyme disease continues to affect hundreds of thousands annually in the U.S., Timberlake’s openness shines a light on the condition’s seriousness and the resilience required to manage it—especially under the public eye.