Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
The singer is unwinding at home after wrapping up his two-year Forget Tomorrow World Tour.
Justin Timberlake is taking time to rest at home after completing his two-year Forget Tomorrow World Tour and revealing his recent Lyme disease diagnosis.
On Monday, August 4, the 44-year-old NSYNC star posted a lighthearted photo to his Instagram Stories, showing himself in a sweatshirt that read, “I’m not doing s— today. Mission accomplished.” He playfully stuck out his tongue in the picture, signaling he’s embracing a well-deserved break.
Timberlake first shared his health update with fans on Thursday, July 31, via Instagram Stories and a main feed post.
“I’ve been dealing with some health challenges and was recently diagnosed with Lyme disease,” he wrote. “I’m not sharing this to get sympathy, but to be transparent about what’s been going on behind the scenes.” The “SexyBack” singer added, “If you’ve had this illness or know someone who has, you understand how exhausting it can be—mentally and physically.”
Lyme disease, which is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick, can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, fever, joint pain, headaches, and sometimes a distinctive bullseye-shaped rash. Diagnosis is often confirmed with a blood test, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Timberlake’s announcement came shortly after he wrapped up his global tour. Throughout the tour, he had to cancel or delay several performances due to various health issues, including a back injury, laryngitis, bronchitis, and an ankle problem.
Following his announcement, friends and family—including his wife, Jessica Biel—have shown strong support. A source close to the family told PEOPLE that the diagnosis has brought Timberlake a sense of “clarity” and that Biel has been “extremely supportive” throughout his health journey.
“He’s not in his twenties anymore, and when his symptoms got worse, he knew something more serious was happening,” the insider shared. “He pushed through for a long time before finally getting a diagnosis. Learning it was Lyme disease explained a lot of what he’d been quietly enduring.”
Now that his tour has concluded, Timberlake is focusing on treatment and recovery.