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Before her unexpected passing at the young age of 23, Isabelle Tate had been making a quiet but determined return to acting. Earlier this year, she had embraced new opportunities on set, bringing her talent and energy to a network television drama while also spending meaningful time with friends and family, creating joyful memories that now stand as a testament to her resilience and spirit. Isabelle Tate, whose career in acting had only just begun to gain momentum, has tragically died. Her agency, McCray Agency, confirmed the news through an Instagram Story, announcing that she passed away peacefully due to a rare form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a genetic condition affecting the peripheral nerves.

The news sent shockwaves through the entertainment community, highlighting the fragility of life even for those whose talents seem boundless. In an ironic and poignant twist of timing, Tate had only recently resumed her acting career after taking a step back to manage her health. She successfully auditioned for the pilot episode of ABC’s “9-1-1: Nashville,” marking her first acting role since stepping away from the spotlight. Filmed in June, the episode premiered on October 6, showcasing her skill and dedication. Her obituary, published by Austin Funeral & Cremation Services, corroborated the tragic news of her passing and offered a glimpse into a life full of promise cut short.

Grieving Loved Ones Prepare to Say Goodbye

Tate’s family now faces the profound and unimaginable sorrow of losing a beloved daughter, sister, and friend. She is survived by her mother, Katerina Kazakos Tate; her stepfather, Vishnu Jayamohan; her father, John Daniel Tate; and her sister, Daniella Tate. To honor Isabelle’s life, a public visitation has been scheduled for Friday, October 24, from 12 to 2 p.m. at Forest Hills Methodist Church in Brentwood, Tennessee. A funeral service will follow at 2 p.m., officiated by Reverend Jim Hughes. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in Isabelle’s memory to the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association, a cause close to her heart.

Heartfelt Tribute from Co-Star

During her role in ABC’s drama, Tate portrayed Julie, a character confined to a wheelchair, in a deeply moving scene opposite actor Hunter McVey, who played Blue. Reflecting on their work together, McVey shared with People magazine:

“I was terrified, nervous, and after each take, we would get to exchange a couple words, which were always supportive from her. I got the pleasure of talking with her after the scene, and she had such a great energy. You could tell she brought joy to a lot of people… I’m thankful I got a chance to work with Isabelle and that a part of her will live on forever in the pilot episode of 9-1-1 Nashville.”

The McCray Agency, which had known Tate since her teenage years, also shared a tribute on Instagram, expressing their deep grief and acknowledging her remarkable spirit. They thanked the casting and production teams for supporting her return to acting. “I was so lucky to know her, and she will be greatly missed by so many. ,” the agency wrote.

‘Full of Fire’: A Life Remembered

Born and raised in Nashville, Isabelle Tate spent her formative years in the Franklin community before pursuing and completing a business degree at Middle Tennessee State University. Beyond acting, she had a wide range of passions. Isabelle was musically inclined, often spending hours writing and recording songs with friends and even publishing a few. Her love for animals led her to volunteer at local shelters, a pursuit that her family said brought her immense joy and fulfillment.

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In her obituary, she was remembered as “full of fire,” a determined and spirited young woman who faced life with humor, strength, and unshakable resilience. Despite her diagnosis, she lived life on her own terms, refusing to let the disease define her or limit her ambitions.

Her Quiet Battle: Living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

Tate was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease at age 13. CMT is a rare, inherited group of disorders that damage peripheral nerves, the critical pathways that transmit signals between the brain, spinal cord, and limbs. Over time, the condition gradually causes muscle weakness, atrophy, and loss of sensation, particularly affecting the hands, arms, legs, and feet. Although the disease is not typically fatal, it is progressive and can severely affect mobility and independence over time.

While there is no cure for CMT, treatments such as physical therapy, bracing, and assistive devices can help manage symptoms. In a December 2022 Instagram post, Tate candidly described the emotional and physical toll of living with CMT. She explained how she gradually began using a wheelchair, embracing it as a tool for independence rather than viewing it as a limitation. Her openness about the struggles and adaptations required by the disease highlighted both her courage and her desire to inspire others facing similar challenges.

Even in the face of adversity, Tate found purpose and used her platform to advocate for individuals with invisible disabilities. Her final Instagram post, shared in January 2025, reflected her quiet strength and love for life. The post showed her enjoying time outdoors, spending moments at the beach, and interacting with birds, all while using her wheelchair. She captioned it simply: “from the canon,” a subtle reminder of her ability to find joy and meaning despite ongoing challenges.

Raising Awareness for CMT

Tate’s journey contributed to increasing public awareness of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. The rare disorder gained additional attention in 2021 when country music legend Alan Jackson revealed that he, too, had been diagnosed with CMT. In an emotional interview on the “Today” show with Jenna Bush Hager, Jackson shared that he had lived with the condition for years, inheriting it from his father. While he emphasized that CMT is not life-threatening—stating, “It’s not going to kill me. It’s not deadly”—he acknowledged the physical toll it took on his body, affecting balance and performance. He noted that the condition has neurological and muscular impacts similar to muscular dystrophy and Parkinson’s disease.

Jackson recently announced that he would perform his final full-length concert on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium. The event, titled Last Call: One More for the Road — The Finale, is not just a concert but a homecoming, reflecting on his decades-long career and his connection to Nashville as the heart of country music.

A Star-Studded Farewell

Jackson’s final performance will include appearances by some of the biggest names in country music, including Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Jon Pardi, Lee Ann Womack, and Keith Urban. Jackson expressed that he wanted to conclude his career where it began, surrounded by friends, fans, and the city that shaped his musical journey: “We just felt like we had to end it all where it all started for me, and that’s in Nashville — Music City — where country music lives.”