April 2024 marked Willie Nelson's 91st birthday, and the country music legend continues to thrill fans with his performances. But don’t let his stage presence fool you—Willie hasn’t been immune to the health challenges that come with age and a lifetime of living life to the fullest. So, how exactly is Willie’s health holding up these days? Let’s dive into what we know.
Is Willie Nelson Dealing With Health Issues?
Back in 2019, Willie was diagnosed with emphysema, a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Emphysema damages the air sacs in the lungs, making it harder for a person to breathe. According to Medline, it’s a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Before his official diagnosis, Willie had already begun canceling concerts on his tour due to “breathing problems,” hinting at the struggles he was facing.
After receiving the diagnosis, Willie made some significant lifestyle changes to help manage the condition. In an interview with KSAT News, he opened up about the challenges he faced and how he’s adapting. “I’ve definitely pushed my lungs to the limit in the past,” Willie admitted. “Breathing isn’t as easy as it used to be, so I’ve had to take extra care of myself.”
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But that wasn’t the only health scare Willie dealt with in recent years. In 2020, just days after celebrating his 89th birthday, Willie tested positive for COVID-19. It was a frightening experience for both him and his loved ones. As his wife, Annie D’Angelo, revealed in a 2022 interview with The New York Times, Willie woke up on his tour bus struggling to breathe. “We had a nebulizer on the bus, and I started him on everything I could think of, including Paxlovid and monoclonal antibodies,” she explained. “We drove straight through the night to get back to our ranch in Spicewood, Texas, where we turned the house into a makeshift hospital.”
Annie went on to describe how dire the situation became. “There were moments when I wasn’t sure he was going to pull through,” she confessed. Despite the severity of the illness, Willie was determined to get back on the road. Just two weeks later, he was performing again, though he admitted that COVID-19 was “nothing to laugh at.”
In June 2024, Willie canceled appearances at the Outlaw Music Festival Tour in Virginia, citing that he wasn’t feeling well and had been advised by doctors to rest. A statement on his Instagram page reassured fans, saying, “Willie Nelson will not be performing at tonight’s show in Virginia Beach. We expect Willie to return to the tour shortly.”
Sources close to Willie have told Closer that his team is doing everything possible to prioritize his health. “Willie’s recent illness really took a toll on him, and many believe his return to touring might have been too soon,” an insider revealed in July 2024. “But Willie’s got that fire in him, and there’s no stopping him when he’s determined. So, they’re hovering over him, ensuring he eats well, stays hydrated, and gets plenty of rest between shows.”
His family and crew are taking extra precautions to keep him safe during performances. “He’s walking to and from the stage with a crew member to avoid tripping over cables, and his family is always nearby, watching him closely,” the insider added. “Willie’s got the best support team, and everyone loves him dearly.”
Willie Nelson's Other Health Challenges
Willie’s health journey hasn’t been without its share of dramatic moments. Back in 1981, during a jog in Hawaii, he suffered a collapsed lung after jumping into the ocean. The force of the waves and the sudden change in temperature caused the collapse, leaving him lying on the beach, trying to summon enough strength to call for help. In his docuseries Willie Nelson & Family, which premiered on Paramount+ in December 2023, Willie recounted the harrowing experience. “When the paramedics arrived, they had to reinflate my lung by inserting a tube through my back and ribs,” he explained. “They had to repeat the procedure twice the next day.”
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It’s clear that Willie’s spirit remains unbroken, even as his body shows signs of wear. “His body may be getting weaker, but his spirit is as strong as ever,” the Closer source noted. “You’ve got to admire Willie. Performing means everything to him, and his team is doing everything they can to make sure he stays comfortable, whether it’s bringing him teas or his favorite CBD gummies.”
Willie Nelson continues to inspire fans with his resilience and passion for music. At 91, he’s proving that age is just a number and that the spirit of an eagle can soar no matter what challenges life throws his way.
