Growing concerns about 91-year-old Willie Nelson’s health have made the headlines. The iconic singer/songwriter, who still performs, has been forced to cancel several dates on his Outlaw Music Festival Tour. The string of cancellations for Georgia, Charlotte, Raleigh and most recently, Virginia Beach on June 26th 2024, due to an unspecified illness, have left Nelson’s dedicated fans worried about his well-being.
RELATED: Lauren Alaina Cancels Concert After Father Dies
Why Willie Nelson Canceled Concert Dates
There was an official statement of sorts, but it was brief and lacked details. It has only fueled speculation even though it stated, ‘We expect Willie to return to the tour shortly.’ The reassurance did little to ease concern. Thankfully, the statement was quickly updated on June 28th with good news in a social media post provided by his team. It announced Nelson had been cleared by his doctors to resume the Outlaw Tour. He is ‘back on the road again’, the post announced, and would ‘resume performing on the Outlaw Tour next week’.
It meant missing another two performances; June 29th in Wantagh, New York and June 30th in Holmdel, New Jersey, but his Mansfield, Massachusetts date, July 2nd looked set to happen.
Fan Reactions and Concerns
Naturally fans were relieved and excited, but they continued to have grave concerns. At 91, it could be too soon for the veteran music legend to resume arduous touring. It was this mixed bag of emotions that was reflected in comments made by fans on social media. One summed up their collective ongoing concern when he wrote, ‘Please let him know that his health is more important than a show’. Fans would understand if he needed ‘time away’.
This isn’t the first time Nelson’s health has been a cause for concern, although the star has remained impressively active despite his advancing years. He has faced several health challenges, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It’s a condition that inflames the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. It is quite common in the elderly and has links with long-term smoking.
RELATED: Kelly Clarkson’s Health Scare
Nelson admits he abused his lungs ‘quite a bit’ when he was younger and that he ‘has to be careful’ now that it’s a ‘little more difficult’ to breathe.
Willie Nelson’s Wife, Annie, Said ‘… I Wasn’t Sure He Was Going To Make It’
Unfortunately, both Nelson’s age and compromised lung capacity put him at greater risk during the pandemic. He ended up battling COVID-19. His wife, Annie, revealed just how serious it was, saying, ‘there were a couple of times I wasn’t sure he was going to make it’.
The fact that Nelson is ready to return to performing so fast speaks for his strength, resilience and unwavering professionalism, although it was only Nelson’s performances that were canceled. In true ‘the show must go on’ style, the Outlaw Tour carried on regardless. It included performances from several other greats, including Bob Dylan and the ‘I Can’t Let It Go’ duo, Alison Krauss and Robert Plant of supergroup Led Zeppelin, himself a sprightly 75-year-old.
Taking his place among these performing legends was Nelson’s son Lukas, standing in for his father with his own set. To the delight of fans, the Promise of the Real lead known for his work with another great, Neil Young, performed some of his father’s best-loved classics.
