Well-known country music performer and generational role model Willie Nelson recently talked openly about a terrifying health crisis he went through earlier this year. Willie shows his steadfast commitment to his career at the age of 89 by touring the country with the Nelson Family band.
After learning that one of the Willie Nelson Family Band members had tested positive for COVID-19 during a tour in May of last year, Willie Nelson was forced to make the painful decision to postpone their Jazz Fest Headlining Gig. In the end, it was discovered that Willie was the one who got the infection.
If anyone woke up in the middle of the night on their tour bus, like Willie did, they would be horrified. His worst worries were realized when his fast polymerase chain reaction test revealed that he had definitely contracted COVID-19. Willie’s vulnerability to the infection and advanced age made the situation worse.
Anne Nelson, Willie Nelson’s wife, described the steps they took to make sure he recovered. “I brought a nebulizer on the bus with me.” At the time, I started everything I could, including Paxlovid. He was carrying monoclonal antibodies. She disclosed that he was using steroids. They turned their Spicewood, Texas, house into a makeshift hospital and gathered the aid of a whole medical team to keep an eye on Willie’s condition in order to provide him the finest care possible.
When Anne thought back on those difficult days, she remembered her worries and said, “There were a couple of times when I wasn’t sure he was going to make it.” Although Willie’s recuperation was a difficult one, he was back on stage and ready to perform after six days. Two weeks later, he was back on the road, doing shows in New Braunfels, Texas.
A lesson to be learned from Willie Nelson’s experience with COVID-19 is to never underestimate the virus. Willie continues to be humorous despite his bad situation, saying, “COVID ain’t nothing to laugh at, that’s for sure.” His tenacity and willpower motivate us all.
On September 24, Don’t miss a live performance by Willie Nelson and his Family Band at the Farm Aid 2022 Music Festival in Raleigh, NC. A talented group of performers, including Sheryl Crow, Chris Stapleton, Margo Price, and John Mellencamp, will accompany him on stage. Together, let’s honor the human spirit’s tenacity and the transformative power of music.
