Despite showing physical stiffness as he walked to the microphone, he initiated the set with "Gone Country" using his signature baritone voice, though his guitar strumming remained minimal.
"It's overwhelming," Jackson told the crowd.
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The singer then reassured the audience that he would focus primarily on the music rather than the finality of the performance.
"That last show stuff … I'm not dead!" said Jackson.
Jackson performed a selection of his major hits, including "I Don’t Even Know Your Name," "Livin' on Love," "Summertime Blues," and "Midnight in Montgomery," while music videos played on a screen behind the stage.
He moved across the stage to greet different sections of the stadium and openly praised his backing band.
"If anyone has lived the American dream, it's me," said Jackson while seated on a stool.
Jackson shared several personal anecdotes with the audience, noting that "I'd Love You All Over Again" was written for his wife on their 10th anniversary, the radio from "Chasin' that Neon Rainbow" is housed in the Country Music Hall of Fame museum, and "Drive (For Daddy Gene)" was composed following his father's passing.
An hour into his performance, Jackson brought out special guest George Strait to join him for their collaborative tracks, "Designated Drink" and "Murder on Music Row."
Jackson then continued with a series of hit singles, including "Little Bitty," "Country Boy," "Good Time," and "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)," which was written after the September 11 terror attacks.
He followed with "Don't Rock the Jukebox," "Remember When," "It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere," and concluded with "Chattahoochee" alongside a fireworks display.
While his touring career has ended, Jackson released a country cover of Orleans' "Still the One" two days prior to the concert to celebrate his 50-year relationship with his wife, Denise Jackson.
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The full Nashville performance is scheduled to be broadcast later this year as an NBC concert special.
