Willie Nelson Discusses His Frightening Health Scare: ‘Ain’t Nothing to Laugh At, That’s for Sure’

Renowned country music legend Willie Nelson recently opened up about a distressing health incident that occurred while he was on tour with his band.

At 90 years old, Nelson still tours the United States with the Nelson Family band, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to his music career.

Last year, during a tour, Willie Nelson faced the tough decision to cancel the band’s headlining performance at Jazz Fest after learning that a member of the Willie Nelson Family Band had tested positive for COVID-19. In a surprising turn of events, it was later disclosed that Nelson himself was the one who had contracted the virus.

In the middle of the night on his tour bus, Willie Nelson experienced a terrifying moment when he woke up struggling to breathe. A rapid PCR test soon confirmed his fears: he had contracted COVID-19. Given his advanced age, the situation was particularly severe due to his increased vulnerability to the virus.

To support his recovery, Willie’s wife, Annie, took immediate action. “I had a nebulizer on the bus. I started everything I could at that point, including Paxlovid. He had the monoclonal antibodies. He had steroids,” she explained to Country Music Television. They converted their home in Spicewood, Texas, into a temporary hospital, bringing in a full medical team to oversee his care.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Annie shared the intense uncertainty they faced: “There were a couple of times when I wasn’t sure he was going to make it.” The path to recovery was challenging, but within six days, Nelson regained enough strength to perform on stage again. Just two weeks later, he resumed his tour, playing shows in New Braunfels, Texas.

Despite the harrowing ordeal, Nelson kept his characteristic humor, remarking at the time: “COVID ain’t nothing to laugh at, that’s for sure.”

After the alarming COVID scare, Willie Nelson and his Family Band resumed their tour, making an appearance at the Farm Aid 2022 Music Festival in Raleigh, North Carolina in September.

He was joined on stage by a stellar lineup of artists, including John Mellencamp, Margo Price, Chris Stapleton, and Sheryl Crow, among others.

What are your thoughts on Willie Nelson’s frightening experience? Share your views in the comments!