Willie Nelson opens up about terrifying health scare – “ain’t nothing to laugh at, that’s for sure”

Country music legend Willie Nelson recently shared a concerning health incident from his tour with the Nelson Family band. At 90 years old, Nelson continues to tour the United States, demonstrating his enduring dedication to his musical career.

During a tour last year, Nelson faced a difficult decision when a member of his band tested positive for COVID-19, prompting the cancellation of their headlining gig at Jazz Fest. Surprisingly, it was later revealed that Nelson himself had contracted the virus.

Awakening in the middle of the night on his tour bus struggling to breathe, Nelson confronted a frightening ordeal. His concerns were confirmed through a rapid PCR test – he had indeed contracted COVID-19. Given his age, the situation was grave due to his vulnerability to the virus.

To aid in his recovery, Nelson’s wife, Annie, shared the measures they took. “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 revealed. They transformed their home in Spicewood, Texas, into a makeshift hospital, assembling a medical unit to monitor his recovery.

Recalling the stressful experience, Annie admitted to moments of uncertainty, saying, “There were a couple of times when I wasn’t sure he was going to make it.” The road to recovery was challenging, but after six days, Nelson found the strength to return to the stage. Just two weeks later, he resumed his touring schedule with shows in New Braunfels, Texas.

Despite the harrowing ordeal, Nelson maintained his trademark wit, acknowledging, “COVID ain’t nothing to laugh at, that’s for sure.”

Following the COVID scare, Willie Nelson and his Family Band pressed on with their tour, participating in the Farm Aid 2022 Music Festival in Raleigh, North Carolina, in September. The festival boasted a stellar lineup, including John Mellencamp, Margo Price, Chris Stapleton, and Sheryl Crow, among others.