Willie Nelson Not At ‘Death’s Door,’ Says Publicist

At the start of 2017, the “On The Road Again” singer backed out of a string of shows while battling a severe cold.

Written by Lauren Laffer
Willie Nelson Not At ‘Death’s Door,’ Says Publicist
Willie Nelson; Photo by C Flanigan/FilmMagic

After several cancelled shows, rumors from several gossip sites began spreading about the health and wellness of Willie Nelson. Stating that the singer was on “death’s door,” the publications tried to drum up hysteria over the state of the legendary performer’s health.

Now, Nelson’s publicist is speaking out on the rumors, telling fans not to worry.

“He’s perfectly fine,” the Texas native’s publicist Elaine Schock told The Associated Press.

Schock also pointed to Nelson’s most recent shows, including the 83-year-old’s March 18 show at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo at NRG Stadium, where he played to more than 75,000 people.

At the start of 2017, the “On The Road Again” singer backed out of a string of shows while battling a severe cold. He canceled a three-night showcase at Buck Owens Crystal Palace in Bakersfield in February, as well as two of five Willie Nelson & Family: Vegas On My Mind shows in January.

The latest rumors aren’t the first time Nelson and his camp have had to speak out about his health. Nelson has been the target of many death hoaxes and has even referenced them in his upcoming album, God’s Problem Child. According to the AP, lyrics from the song “Still Not Dead” include “The internet said I had passed away, but you can’t believe a damn thing that they say.”

Next on Nelson’s schedule is a performance at the upcoming Blackbird Presents An All-Star Concert Celebration Sing Me Back Home: The Music of Merle Haggard tribute concert. Held in Nashville, TN, the concert will take place at Bridgestone Arena on April 6, marking both Haggard’s birthday and the day he passed away. Featured acts on the star-studded lineup include Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Dierks Bentley, Willie Nelton, Loretta Lynn, Ronnie Dunn, Hank Williams, Jr., Kacey Musgraves and many others.