Alabama's Jeff Cook Reveals Parkinson's Diagnosis

Alabama

ALL ACCESS extends warm thoughts and well-wishes to JEFF COOK, one-third of COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME group ALABAMA, who has revealed his diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. According to THE TENNESSEAN and USA TODAY , COOK -- who plays fiddle and guitar for the group -- was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease approximately four years ago. COOK and bandmates RANDY OWEN and TEDDY GENTRY chose to keep the diagnosis private; however, due to the impact of the disease on his body, COOK has now chosen to go public with the diagnosis and is stepping back from touring effective SATURDAY, APRIL 29th.

In a statement made by COOK to journalists from the USA TODAY NETWORK, he explained, "This disease robs you of your coordination, your balance, and causes tremors. For me, this has made it extremely frustrating to try and play guitar, fiddle, or sing. I've tried not to burden anyone with the details of my condition, because I do not want the music to stop or the party to end, and that won't change no matter what. Let me say, I'm not calling it quits, but sometimes our bodies dictate what we have to do, and mine is telling me it's time to take a break and heal." Read the full details and interviews with COOK, OWEN, and GENTRY here.

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