Jeff Cook of Alabama says he's battling Parkinson's disease

April 12 (UPI) -- Musician Jeff Cook went public Tuesday with his battle with Parkinson's disease.

The 67-year-old Alabama guitarist announced in a video statement for The Tennessean that he will take a break from touring after being diagnosed with the condition four years ago.

"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," Cook admitted alongside bandmates and cousins Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry.

"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," he explained, "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," the star said. "I do plan to be at some of the shows and events when possible, and I hope to see you there."

Alabama confirmed the news on their official Twitter account, writing, "To all the ALABAMA friends and fans, we wanted you to be among the first to know." Fellow country act the Bellamy Brothers were among those to react to Cook's diagnosis online.

"Love & prayers for our Buddy @JeffCookandAGB," the duo tweeted.

Cook will perform with Alabama at a concert May 27 in Orange Beach, Ala., and at a fan event, before taking an indefinite hiatus. Owen and Gentry told USA Today Cook gave them his blessing to keep playing.

"He wants us to go on," Owen, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2010, said. "We want the music to go on. I'm going to be very honest. I don't know if I have the fire. The only way I do, is knowing that Jeff is totally, 'Go get it.'"

Cook, Owen and Gentry formed Alabama in 1969. The band last released their 23rd studio album, Southern Drawl, in 2015.