Justin Timberlake diagnosed with Lyme disease

Justin Timberlake has been diagnosed with Lyme disease, the former NSYNC star has announced.

The singer shared the news on Thursday in an Instagram post commemorating his Forget Tomorrow tour, which wrapped in Turkey on Wednesday, adding that the disease “can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically”.

The SexyBack singer, who described himself as a private person, wrote he considered ending the tour when diagnosed, but wrote that he “decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I’m so glad I kept going”.

Lyme disease is transmitted by Ixodes ticks, also known as deer ticks. It can cause flu-like conditions, neurological problems, joint paint and other symptoms. In the vast majority of cases, Lyme disease is successfully treated with antibiotics.

“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,” Timberlake wrote.

Timberlake cancelled and postponed multiple shows throughout the tour’s run, citing health issues including bronchitis and laryngitis. Six of his US shows were postponed from October and November to February, the singer announced on Instagram. Timberlake ultimately cancelled the last show of the US leg of the tour in Ohio due to the flu in February.

Representatives for Timberlake did not immediately respond to The Associated Press’ request for comment.

Timberlake pleaded guilty to driving while impaired in New York’s Hamptons in 2024. As part of his plea deal, the singer gave a public safety announcement in September, urging drivers not to get behind the wheel after drinking.

The 10-time Grammy winner ended the post thanking his wife, Jessica Biel, and their two sons, Silas and Phin, saying “nothing is more powerful than your unconditional love. You are my heart and my home. I’m on my way”.