Justin Timberlake is back at home — and in good spirits — after closing his world tour last week.
Timberlake, 44, took to his Instagram Stories on Monday, August 4, and shared a snapshot of himself smiling and sticking out his tongue while sporting a gray sweatshirt that read: “I’m not doing s*** today. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.” The singer added three check mark emojis.
Several days earlier, Timberlake had ended his two-year Forget Tomorrow World Tour and revealed that he was recently diagnosed with Lyme disease, an illness caused by Borrelia bacteria that causes body pain and muscle weakness, among other symptoms.
“As many of you know, I’m a pretty private person,” he wrote via Instagram on Thursday, July 31. “But as I’m reflecting on the tour and festival tour — I want to tell you a little bit about what’s going on with me. Among other things, I’ve been battling some health issues, and was diagnosed with Lyme disease — which I don’t say so you feel bad for me –– but to shed some light on what I’ve been up against behind the scenes.”
Timberlake continued, “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. When I first got the diagnosis I was shocked for sure. 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 said that he had to decide whether to end his tour or “keep going and figure it out.” He chose the latter, explaining, “I decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I’m so glad I kept going.”
He eventually performed his tour’s final concert in Istanbul on July 30.
Following Timberlake’s health update, his former ‘NSync bandmate Chris Kirkpatrick paid him tribute via Instagram.
Many celebrities have spoken out about their Lyme disease diagnoses over the years, and because the disease is easy to misdiagnose, many had to fight to be believed. According to the Mayo Clinic, Lyme disease is transmitted by ticks and caused by four species of bacteria in the United States, Europe and Asia. In fact, […]
“I’ve always known my little bro was tough — but this tour showed me a whole new level of strength,” Kirkpatrick, 53, wrote July 31. “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.”
He added, “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.”
Kirkpatrick mused that “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!”
