‘Humbled’ Justin Timberlake’s Lyme Disease Diagnosis Has Been a ‘Big Wake-Up Call’ (Exclusive)

So much has changed for Justin Timberlake amid his bombshell diagnosis with Lyme disease — and according to a source, it’s inspired him to put in the work to save his marriage to wife Jessica Biel.

“This illness has really humbled Justin. His ‘nothing can touch me’ attitude is gone,” a source exclusively tells Star. “It’s been a big wake-up call for him and has made him realize that some serious changes need to be made to his lifestyle and his priorities.”

Rumors have swirled over the last few years that Timberlake, 44, and Biel, 43, were headed for divorce. The pair tied the knot in 2012 and share sons Silas, 10, and Phineas, 4.

Not only did the singer spark rumors of infidelity by cozying up to Palmer costar Alisha Wainwright in 2019, he was the talk of the town when ex-girlfriend Britney Spears revealed previously unknown details about their early 2000s romance in her 2023 memoir — including the fact that she allegedly had an abortion while they were dating.

In 2024, Timberlake was also arrested for DWI in New York.

While the source admits his marriage to Biel has “taken some hits lately,” the former ‘NSync band member is ready to turn over a new leaf and “adamant that he’s willing to do whatever it takes to hang on to Jess” because his life would be “empty” without her.

The “SexyBack” singer also promised to “dial back the ego and make more time for his family.”

Aside from concerns for his marriage, Timberlake has been telling those around him that he’ll be “slowing down” in the near future to lower his “stress levels” in order to focus on getting “better” amid his battle with Lyme disease.

“He can’t push himself nonstop the way he’s used to,” adds the source. “And if he has to cut back on what he can do, it’s his wife and kids that he wants to give his energy to, not work and partying.”

“He’s even started talking about taking a real break from work for the first time in years, which is a huge deal for someone like Justin,” concludes the source.

Timberlake revealed his diagnosis with Lyme disease in a lengthy post shared to Instagram on July 31.

“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,” he explained. “When I first got the diagnosis I was shocked for sure. 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.”

As he was faced with the choice between ending his tour early or finishing it out while battling difficult symptoms, he decided to continue performing.

“Not only did I prove my mental tenacity to myself but, I now have so many special moments with all of you that I will never forget,” he continued. “I was reluctant to talk about this because I was always raised to keep something like this to yourself. But I am trying to be more transparent about my struggles so that they aren’t misinterpreted.”

It seems he’s already indulging in some much-needed rest: After wrapping up the the Forget Tomorrow World Tour, Timberlake shared a photo of himself on Instagram Story on August 4 wearing a sweatshirt that read “I’m not doing sh*t today.”