Los Angeles: Singer Justin Timberlake has disclosed that he has been diagnosed with Lyme disease, calling the condition “relentlessly debilitating” in a heartfelt Instagram post on Thursday. The announcement came just one day after wrapping up his Forget Tomorrow world tour in Turkey.

The former NSYNC star shared that he received the diagnosis during the tour but ultimately chose to continue performing despite the physical and mental toll.

“Decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I'm so glad I kept going,” Timberlake wrote in the post, describing himself as a private person who had considered cancelling the tour.

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, typically spread through bites from black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks. Early symptoms often resemble the flu, including fatigue, fever and joint pain. In many cases, a red, bull’s-eye-shaped rash appears at the bite site. However, not all individuals experience the rash, making diagnosis more difficult. If left untreated, the infection can lead to severe arthritis and damage to the nervous system or heart. While most cases respond well to antibiotics, some patients experience lingering symptoms even after treatment.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, insurance data suggests that roughly 476,000 people are treated for Lyme disease in the United States each year. However, the true number of cases may vary due to underreporting and misdiagnoses.

Reflecting on the tour, Timberlake expressed gratitude for the experience and acknowledged the uncertainty of what lies ahead for his performance career.

“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,” he said.

Throughout the Forget Tomorrow tour, Timberlake had postponed or cancelled several shows, citing various health concerns, including laryngitis, bronchitis and the flu. In February, he called off the final U.S. tour date in Ohio after falling ill. Earlier in the tour’s run, six shows originally scheduled for October and November were postponed to early 2025 due to health issues.

Representatives for Timberlake have not yet responded to media inquiries regarding the diagnosis.

In his closing remarks, the 10-time Grammy winner offered a moving tribute to his family, including wife Jessica Biel and their two sons, Silas and Phin.

“Nothing is more powerful than your unconditional love. You are my heart and my home. I’m on my way,” he wrote.

Timberlake made headlines in 2024 for pleading guilty to driving while impaired in New York’s Hamptons. As part of his plea agreement, he issued a public service announcement in September that year, warning against driving under the influence.

(With inputs from AP)