“You Scared the Heck Out of Us”: Willie Nelson’s New Health Update Is a Breathe of Fresh Air for Outlaw Country 

In these deeply polarizing times we live in, the majority of us can still agree that Willie Nelson is a national treasure. The outlaw country legend released his debut album in 1962. And more than 100 studio albums later, children are still listening to the Red-Headed Stranger alongside their grandparents. Needless to say, the country music world waited with bated breath when Nelson canceled several live performances over the summer due to health reasons. But we all collectively exhaled when the 91-year-old Country Music Hall of Famer eventually returned to his rightful place. And if we still need a little more music to our ears, Nelson recently gave fans a bold update on his health.

Willie Nelson Isn’t Worried About It

This summer, Willie Nelson took an extended hiatus from his annual Outlaw Music Festival due to “doctor’s orders.”

[RELATED: Willie Nelson Fans Flood Social Media With Well Wishes as Country Legend Cancels Another Show for Health Reasons]

Fans flooded social media with well wishes and concern, and after recuperating, the multi Grammy-winning artist was “On the Road Again.”

Jesus you scared the heck out of us.

Professionally speaking, if he is gonna be ok, do not start off with we regret to inform you about a 91 year old. pic.twitter.com/lpExhkXqpn

— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) June 21, 2024

In an interview with the Associated Press published Nov. 1, Nelson assured fans he’s feeling just fine.

“I don’t feel bad. I don’t hurt anywhere. I don’t have any reason to worry about dying. But I don’t know anybody who’s lived forever,” he said. “I take pretty good care of myself. And I feel like I’m in pretty good shape physically.”

“Mentally? That’s another story,” Nelson added with a laugh.

It’s a Family Affair

When Willie Nelson fell ill during the Outlaw Music Festival, Lukas Nelson stepped in to fill his dad’s shoes. Many have hailed the 35-year-old singer-songwriter as his father’s heir apparent.

But the “Always on My Mind” singer has seven other children. On Nov. 1, Willie Nelson released Last Leaf on the Tree, his 76th studio album—and the first produced by son Micah Nelson, 34.

“He’s a real artist,” Willie told the Associated Press. “He picked all the songs.”

Wife Annie Nelson added, “He says it all the time. It’s great to play with your kid. And it’s even better if they’re good.”

Featured image by Michael Zorn/Shutterstock