Justin Timberlake is coming forward regarding his personal health struggles. The Grammy winner and pop star revealed that he has been diagnosed with Lyme Disease, a condition that impacts the nervous system and joints and passed from the bacteria of the infected Deer Tick.
Timberlake, who rose to fame in the 1990s through his casting on Disney Channel's The New Mickey Mouse Club and as a member of the boy band NSYNC, addressed the news via his Instagram Stories on Thursday, July 31. He states that it wasn't an "easy task" to announce the condition, as he values his privacy. Yet, while it's a "shock," Timberlake hasn't stepped away from performing as it gives him "great joy," and like nearly anything that might feel like an obstacle, we should continue to do the things that make us fulfilled.
The singer says that he first noticed the Lyme Disease symptoms such as "nerve pain" and fatigue while onstage. He was then faced with the choice of whether to quit and cancel the remainder of his Forget Tomorrow Tour, or continue. Timberlake went with the latter and thanked the fans who came out for their support.
"To every one of you who came to see me on the Forget Tomorrow Tour, or JT Live '25, (or any other tour or shows throughout the years for that matter)...your energy and love continues to humble me," the "I'm Bringing Sexy Back" hitmaker says in his posted story. "Your signs, messages, DIY t-shirts have made me laugh and smile so many times. And hearing and watching you all sing these songs, word for word, at the top of your lungs will forever leave me in awe. You have made my dreams come true."
Timberlake closes his Story with accrediting his wife, Jessica Biel and their sons, Silas and Phineas, by calling them his "heart" and his "home."
Justin Timberlake has been diagnosed with #LymeDisease . Hoping for a speedy recovery. ❤️💜💞 pic.twitter.com/ffLH5cpyRN
— Kardashian Dish (@KardashiansOnFS) August 1, 2025
NSYNC member and Timberlake's friend, Chris Kirkpatrick, supported him with an Instagram post. In the group photo, the youngest member is surrounded by Kirkpatrick, Lance Bass, and JC Chasez, who appear to be backstage.
Kirkpatrick calls Timberlake's battle with Lyme a "rare resilience."
What is Lyme Disease and what are its symptoms?
When treated correctly, Lyme Disease can be managed symptom-wise, but it's important to know the statistics of the condition and what to look out for.
The Mayo Clinic describes Lyme Disease as "an illness caused by the Borrelia bacteria" and is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. It's more common in the Midwestern US, Europe, or wooded areas where the bugs thrive. Many know that they haven't been bitten by a tick (unless you're me, as I'm susceptible to bites) until they experience the aftereffects or symptoms.
Lyme is also categorized into stages and the further the stage, the more severe. The most common symptom is a rash surrounding the tick bite and itchiness.
See the following for all associated symptoms with Lyme Disease. (The Mayo Clinic)
Stage One Symptoms
- Fever
- Headaches
- Extreme fatigue
- Joint stiffness
- Muscle aches and pains
- Swollen lymph nodes
Stage Two
This stage has more troubling symptoms and again, without proper treatment, the condition worsens.
- Many rashes on other parts of the body
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Muscle weakness on one or both sides of the face.
- Immune-system activity in heart tissue that causes irregular heartbeats.
- Pain that starts from the back and hips and spreads to the legs
- Pain, numbness, or weakness in the hands or feet.
- Painful swelling in the tissues of the eye or eyelid
- Immune-system activity in the eye nerves that causes pain or vision loss
Although Lyme Disease is treatable, it's also preventable. It's smart to wear appropriate clothing, such as hiking boots, thick socks, long pants, and sun-protective shirts, while hiking in the woods or in areas where ticks are prevalent. Dousing yourself with insect repellent is highly recommended, because not only are you controlling the risk of getting Lyme Disease, but also other insect-related impairments.
We wish Timberlake for a fast and fluid recovery!