NEED TO KNOW
-
Justin Timberlake “pushed through for months before finally getting answers” with his Lyme disease diagnosis, a family source tells PEOPLE
-
Timberlake announced his diagnosis in a social media statement on Thursday, July 31, writing that he wanted to “shed some light on what I’ve been up against behind the scenes”
-
The family insider says wife Jessica Biel has remained “incredibly supportive” of Timberlake
Justin Timberlake has been getting plenty of support after opening up about his health this week — and wife Jessica Biel has been by his side for it all.
After the 10-time Grammy winner announced his Lyme disease diagnosis on social media on Thursday, July 31, a family source tells PEOPLE that the news has brought Timberlake “clarity” and that Biel has been “incredibly supportive” of him during this time.
Timberlake, 44, initially believed the fatigue and pain he’d been experiencing on the road were just part of getting older and being back on tour, the insider says. The “Señorita” singer recently wrapped his two-year Forget Tomorrow World Tour, an international run in support of his 2024 studio album, Everything I Thought It Was.
https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf
“He’s not 20 anymore. But when his symptoms worsened, he realized something deeper was going on,” the source says. “He pushed through for months before finally getting answers. The Lyme disease diagnosis brought clarity to a series of unexplained issues that he’s been quietly dealing with.”
Biel, 43, “felt like something was off” with her husband’s health and “encouraged him to get checked out,” the source adds. “She could tell that he wasn’t himself. She’s incredibly supportive.”
Adem Kutucu/Anadolu via Getty
Justin Timberlake performs at Istanbul Technical University Stadium on July 30, 2025
Timberlake announced his diagnosis in a candid Instagram post, telling fans that he wanted to “shed some light on what I’ve been up against behind the scenes.” The revelation came amid critiques of his performances toward the end of his concert run.
“If you’ve experienced this disease or know someone who has — then you’re aware: living with this can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically,” Timberlake wrote, adding that he was “shocked for sure” to receive the diagnosis.
“But at least I could understand why I would be onstage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or, just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness,” he added.
As the insider now explains, Timberlake’s focus remains on his treatment and recovery following the conclusion of his tour.
“He’s taking it seriously. The plan is to rest, spend time with Jess and the kids and do everything he can to heal,” the family source says of the couple, who are parents to sons Silas, 10, and Phineas, 4. “He loved touring and being back onstage, but he’s also relieved it’s over. Now he can focus on his health.”
According to the Cleveland Clinic, Lyme disease is transmitted from the bite of an infected tick and can initially lead to flu-like symptoms, including headaches, joint pain, fatigue or fever. It is often diagnosed by a rash around the tick bite and can later lead to symptoms such as facial paralysis, brain fog, numbness, swollen joints or nerve damage.
Timberlake previously canceled or postponed shows on his tour due to an ongoing back injury, bronchitis and laryngitis, and an ankle injury.
“I was reluctant to talk about this because I was always raised to keep something like this to yourself,” Timberlake said in his Instagram post this week.
Todd Owyoung/NBC/Getty
Justin Timbrelake
“But I am trying to be more transparent about my struggles so that they aren’t misinterpreted,” he continued. “Sharing all of this with the hope that we can all find a way to be more connected. I’d like to do my part to help others experiencing this disease too.”
Following his announcement, Timberlake’s *NSYNC bandmates showed him some love on social media. Chris Kirkpatrick commended Timberlake in an Instagram caption, writing that witnessing his longtime friend on the road “showed me a whole new level of strength.”
“Watching him battle Lyme disease day in and day out, while still getting on that stage night after night, was something I’ll never forget,” Kirkpatrick, 53, wrote. “The long days, the travel, the exhaustion — and yet, he never gave up. No complaints, no excuses — just heart, grit and pure determination. That kind of resilience is rare.”
He continued, “I couldn’t be more proud to call him my friend. Tour life is already a grind, but doing it while fighting Lyme disease? That’s superhero status. Here’s to strength, perseverance, and one hell of a tour. Love you, little bro!”
Read the original article on People
