Members of Alabama Share Their Personal Battles with Cancer and Parkinson’s Disease

Alabama, the iconic country music ensemble, is set to receive the prestigious Tony Martell Lifetime Entertainment Achievement Award during the T.J. Martell Foundation’s 11th annual Nashville Honors Gala. This acknowledgment from the foremost foundation supporting cancer research carries profound significance for Alabama, as each member has been touched by cancer in some way. Moreover, Jeff Cook, currently contending with Parkinson’s disease, will also grace the event with his presence.

“When I think of Alabama, I envision America. They’ve left an indelible mark on countless individuals in this nation through their music and their admirable commitment to aiding others,” remarked Laura Heatherly, CEO of the T.J. Martell Foundation. “We take great pleasure in honoring and acknowledging individuals who have made remarkable contributions to our society, and Alabama has undeniably influenced communities throughout the nation.”

Alabama, commemorating their 50th anniversary in 2019, initially embarked on a farewell tour in 2003. To their surprise, they found that their music still deeply resonated with fans, culminating in a reunion in 2011 for Brad Paisley’s hit song “Old Alabama.” Since then, Alabama has continued to create music and eagerly anticipates what the future holds.

During their hiatus, both Randy Owen and Jeff Cook received cancer diagnoses. Fortunately, Cook maintained trust in his medical team and held onto their assurance that he would recover. Owen, however, confronted a more formidable battle. When he inquired about his life expectancy, his doctor responded sternly.

“He said to me, ‘I won’t work with you if you maintain that attitude,’” Owen recollects. “I was taken aback and asked for clarification. He explained, ‘I’m taking charge now, and together, we will overcome this.’ Those words infused me with strength.”

Owen’s physician recommended seeking treatment in Mexico, where a high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) procedure for cancer is frequently employed. Regrettably, this treatment was unavailable in the United States. Owen, accompanied by his wife and doctor, journeyed to Mexico for the procedure, which ultimately proved successful. Nine years later, Owen remains cancer-free.

Undergoing the life-saving procedure in Mexico proved to be a daunting experience for Owen, yet he remains convinced it was the correct choice. He underscores the importance of candid conversations regarding prostate cancer and advocates for regular PSA tests. Owen urges men not to feel ashamed or hesitant about seeking assistance, emphasizing our shared humanity and vulnerability to illness.

Owen’s dedication to cancer research transcends his personal struggle. As the initiator of Country Cares for St. Jude Kids, he has played a pivotal role in raising over $800 million for cancer research at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. In acknowledgment of his three-decade commitment to philanthropy, a patient family room at the hospital now bears Owen and his family’s name.

Despite Owen’s significant strides in health, Jeff Cook continues to contend with Parkinson’s disease. In 2017, the accomplished multi-instrumentalist disclosed his diagnosis from four years prior, announcing his inability to regularly tour with Alabama.

Nonetheless, thanks to stem cell therapies, Cook has witnessed enhancements in his guitar-playing capabilities. He persists in receiving treatments and takes the stage whenever his health permits. His bandmates ensure his gear is always ready at concerts, enabling him to participate at his discretion.

While Cook’s speech may occasionally be impacted, his overall outlook remains upbeat and passionate, especially about guitar sessions in the recording studio. In fact, he collaborated on the track “No Bad Days” for the band’s album “Southern Drawl,” a song that has acquired deeper significance for him.