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Willie Nelson has been advised to take a break due to health concerns. The 91-year-old country music icon has postponed his performances at the Outlaw Music Festival Tour scheduled for this weekend, as announced on his social media channels.
A statement explained, “Unfortunately, Willie Nelson is under the weather and has been instructed by his doctor to rest for the following four days.” It was also mentioned that Nelson is anticipated to recover swiftly.
The specifics of Nelson’s health issues have not been detailed, and attempts to obtain more information from his representatives are ongoing.
Nelson was expected to entertain fans in Georgia on Friday and in North Carolina both Saturday and Sunday as the main act of the Outlaw Music Festival Tour. In February, he expressed enthusiasm about touring again, “I am excited to hit the road again with my family and friends to play music for our beloved fans.”
In the absence of Nelson, the festival will continue with his son Lukas Nelson and other guests performing some of Willie’s most beloved songs. The tour is scheduled to proceed to Virginia and New York from June 26 through June 29.
This news comes after Nelson was celebrated with an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame last year, where he performed alongside luminaries such as Chris Stapleton, Dave Matthews, and Sheryl Crow. Nelson expressed his gratitude for the recognition of his music at the ceremony.
Moreover, Nelson recently collaborated with Orville Peck on a rendition of “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other,” a song celebrating gay cowboys, emphasizing Nelson’s support for the LGBTQ+ community. Peck praised Nelson for his unwavering allyship, likening his support to that of Dolly Parton.
Willie Nelson’s most recent album, “The Border,” was released in May. Following the announcement of his health-related hiatus, fans, including Questlove, have flooded his social media with messages of support, wishing him a swift recovery.