Willie Nelson Was Gravely Ill with Covid, House Turned into Hospital

It’s rarely not cringe worthy these days when reporters from The New York Times or other elite media outlets decide to veer into the country music space, sourcing their information from a cloistered echo-chamber of fellow elites on Twitter while talking down to the great unwashed country fans out there in flyover country. But Jody Rosen of The New York Times Magazine has been one of the few that takes the time to really understand the subject matter he’s writing about no matter if it’s country music or otherwise, partly because the magazine side of The New York Times is a publication that allows journalists the opportunity to focus on a subject until its complete.
Along with being responsible for coining the term “Bro-Country” in 2013, Jody Rosen recently published a feature on Willie Nelson called “Willie Nelson’s Long Encore.” Some or maybe most of you won’t be able to get past the paywall, but the upshot is something we’ve been discussing here at Saving Country Music for years now: the appeal of Willie Nelson’s late career output is not just based on sentimentality and nostalgia. Willie remains a creative powerhouse in country music—including his 2022 album A Beautiful Time—while continuing to be a cultural icon as relevant in popular culture as ever.
But there is also a bit of news that it feels pertinent to share from the article that should make us all take pause and appreciate how we still get to reside in this mortal coil with Willie Nelson as we speak. According to his wife Annie, Willie Nelson contracted COVID-19 the week after his 89th birthday in early May, and nearly died from the disease.
On May 7th, the Willie Nelson camp announced they were cancelling his headlining set at the annual New Orleans Jazz Fest on Sunday May 8th along with other shows “due to a positive Covid case in the Willie Nelson Family band,” leaving just who had tested positive ambiguous. The fact that anyone who could have been near Willie had tested positive was concerning, let alone Willie himself. Sure, with treatments and the latest strains of COVID, it has become significantly less deadly. But with a long history of respiratory problems, any respiratory illness could be fatal for the 89-year-old.
Willie Nelson had been sleeping on his tour bus when he woke up in the middle of the night struggling to breathe. After he tested positive, they threw the kitchen sink at the disease, including utilizing a nebulizer they already had on the bus for his breathing problems, as well as monoclonal antibodies and steroids. After returning home to his ranch in Spicewood just outside of Austin, they brought a mobile medical unit to his home.
“We turned the house into a hospital,” says Annie Nelson. “There were a couple of times when I wasn’t sure he was going to make it.” But luckily, Willie pulled through, and two weeks later was playing back-to-back shows at the Whitewater Ampitheater in New Braunfels, TX on May 27th and 28th.
“I had a pretty rough time with it,” Willie Nelson says. “COVID ain’t nothing to laugh at, that’s for sure.”
Perhaps an 89-year-old surviving COVID tells us just how far we’ve come with the disease. But as Jody Rosen attempted to underscore, we shouldn’t take for granted a single minute we get to share on this earth in the presence of Willie Nelson.
Willie is currently on hiatus for the rest of August, resuming his Outlaw Fest tour on September 9th in Georgia.
August 20, 2022 @ 8:27 am
I got to see Willie at Outlaw Fest one week ago and he was fantastic! That man’s hands were like lightning on Trigger, I couldn’t believe how well he still plays.
Like 20 college kids took up the two rows in front of me at the start of the show, all Zach Bryan fans. They knew every single word Zach sang and I’ll be honest, it was a beautiful thing to see. When Zach left, so did the college kids, and I took their seats and had a whole row to myself for ZZ Top and Willie!
And the man himself Charley Crockett lit that stage aflame.
After Willie played, he invited Charley, Billy Gibbons and Zach on stage to sing a couple, but Zach was nowhere to be found which was a slight bummer.
I drove home in the middle of the night with a big ol smile on my face the whole ride. My first country music concert was an absolute success. God bless America and country music!
August 20, 2022 @ 9:14 am
That’s one hell of a first country concert right there.
August 20, 2022 @ 9:26 am
Hell yeah, brother. I almost cried when he and Micah played I Thought About You, Lord.
August 21, 2022 @ 11:35 am
Saw Willie years ago with Johnny Cash. Wayland Jennings and Chris Christopherson. The Highway men”
FANTASTIC! When each sang solo’s also. Willie sang “You Were Always On My Mind ” and I cried thru the whole song. Such a voice with so much feeling. I love Willie the Most. Him and Patsy Cline. God Bless her. BEST ever, Dolly Parton ALSO!!!
August 21, 2022 @ 5:47 pm
Patsy is the greatest of all time, IMO. She’s the reason I fell in love with country. Then I found Colter, Tyler, and Wheeler, and the rest is history.
August 21, 2022 @ 6:29 pm
Thank ypu God and all your angels and everyone you had praying for Willie who are already with you….they didn’t want Willie yet and left him with. us. Saw article opening for google ad lost it. Couldn’t stop crying. I know will be a part of your big band some day but we need him here now. It’s a miracle he us still with us. Willie please switch to edibles. Weed is why you have graced with a long life we all know, but it’s time tor brownies. Please don’t test the limits. We love you . We saw you when you were 81 and at the end of the last gospel set, you announced that you wrote this song on the way to this gig in FL and it was a gospel song and would sing it for the first time during this concert. .. We all love you.
August 20, 2022 @ 11:45 am
RyanPD i rarely respond to comments on here unless they pertain to jeremy pinnell’s october 2021 album “Goodbye LA” (which is rumored to rip), but your comment just got me so fired up. Thanks for sharing and I’m stoked you had such a great first country concert experience.
That album i mentioned does really rip though
August 20, 2022 @ 11:54 am
Jeremy Pinnell guy! I actually just listened to that album the other day for the first time after seeing all your comments here, and I can confirm that rumor. The album absolutely does rip.
August 20, 2022 @ 7:54 pm
Praying for old Willie????????
August 21, 2022 @ 2:47 pm
Love you Willie!
Wish you the best…
See you soon ???? Benny in Albuquerque
August 21, 2022 @ 9:23 pm
Get well Willie I never got to see you live but I love your music. I have your CDS ???? in my truck. I pray to God you get well. Dennis
August 22, 2022 @ 6:53 am
Dennis Paulson: Try everything to get to a live concert. You will never not regret it or forget it.
August 22, 2022 @ 6:38 pm
Never not? You should have left the word not out of that sentence, it’s contradictory.
August 20, 2022 @ 8:41 am
My favorite song of all time is San Francisco Mabel Joy- but this rates right up there with it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KD62jThDg5Q
That said, Willie being a horse lover with horses on his ranch, surely Ivermectin is available-
It works!
August 20, 2022 @ 10:24 am
Mickey Newbury was Willies favorite as well. When he recorded Rainbow Connection and cut Just Dropped In and 33rd of August he called Mickey in the middle of the night from the studio to talk which may have been the last time because Mickey died soon after. Both national treasures!
August 20, 2022 @ 12:44 pm
Ian, I always say that of the 7 farm aid concerts I attended, the Iowa one had the worst weather, and the overall weakest lineup, except it was redeemed by having a set from Newbury and one from Townes.
August 20, 2022 @ 6:11 pm
That is amazing, I am sad to say I missed out on seeing Mickey live, and though I had read about him being active on his website chat page never did connect, I was pretty young at the time and he passed before I thought about it too much. Since he really did not tour at all it’s pretty awesome you got to see him!
August 22, 2022 @ 1:07 pm
YOU’RE MY FAVORITE ARTISTS EVER PLEASE GET WELL SOON MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
August 20, 2022 @ 10:29 am
No, ivermectin has been proven to be ineffective for covid in humans in clinical trials. Stop spreading misinformation.
August 20, 2022 @ 10:55 am
Let’s please not get into divisive subjects here please. Let’s all just be happy Willie is still around and doing fine. Thanks!
August 21, 2022 @ 11:52 am
Not only should we be happy that he’s still here, we also may want to consider that, when he passes away, a large part of country music’s heritage (the part before we get to Garth Brooks) will have passed away with him. Much like Johnny Cash, Waylon, and Merle, Willie has had an outsized (in the best way) impact, not only on country music but also on American popular music in general.
George Jones sang the $64,000 question: “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes?” Well, Willie’s really can’t be filled, and neither can the other aforementioned guys either–not that people like Aldean, Shelton, Bryan, and any other garden-variety Bromeisters are even trying.
August 21, 2022 @ 9:24 pm
God bless you Willey beth.
August 20, 2022 @ 11:59 am
I guess that’s why it worked on everyone I know who contracted it. Correct? Because they weren’t in a clinic- SMH- stop relying on the two lyingest entities on the planet for your MISinformation!
August 20, 2022 @ 7:40 pm
Maybe it worked because they got a mild case like I did. I drank margaritas that was my cure lol
August 21, 2022 @ 5:56 am
My cure was a paid vacation filled with yardwork, bike ridin’, and turkey and dressing. (It was Thanksgiving…)
August 21, 2022 @ 10:17 am
ICING ON THAT CAKE WAS ZZ TOP!!! they all live somewhere down there, im in north Texas
August 20, 2022 @ 12:03 pm
Spreading dangerous info about fake Covid-19 treatments should be immediately challenged. That misleading post should be edited or deleted. Ivermectin has NO EFFECT on Covid-19. It is NOT an approved medication recommended by any legitimate medical expert. Trust science. Willie did.
Thank God Willie came through this OK. Those with respiratory issues are especially susceptible to Covid-19 complications. It claimed a member of my family.
August 21, 2022 @ 3:51 pm
Come on, Trig. Stop deleting me. If you’re going to let these communists come on here and post impressively stupid comments about the ‘Rona, it’s only fair that you let me make fun of them for it.
August 21, 2022 @ 3:56 pm
We’re not having a divisive Covid/Ivermectin discussion here, and you’re not the only one being disallowed from discussing it.
August 21, 2022 @ 7:53 pm
Trig,
“Divisive” means: to cause division, disagreement, or hostility.
I would never do that. I acknowledge the division that already exists, and celebrate it. It’s good and beautiful to be divided from those who seek to destroy. Mocking them until they no longer feel comfortable showing their face in public, is one of the only ways this country will avoid the bloodshed that IS coming. I’m the peacemaker here. I’m the guy screaming at you to wake up, and stand for truth, while there’s still time.
August 21, 2022 @ 8:30 pm
“…the only way this country will avoid the bloodshed that IS coming.” Jesus H. Christ, you are a fucking nutter. You don’t stand for truth. Trigger should only allow facts on his site.
August 21, 2022 @ 6:02 pm
Nothing like begging for censorship while whimpering out the same robotic, didactic and banal talking points of the most powerful and corrupt institutions on earth….with a handle in the name of one of the last true outlaws.
August 21, 2022 @ 6:22 pm
Tell it, Jake.
???????? ???? ????
August 22, 2022 @ 8:38 am
Folks, it’s really simple: Saving Country Music is a COUNTRY MUSIC website. As has been said ad nauseum at this point, extremely divisive subjects like Ivermectin and Covid misinformation are just not relevant to this discussion here, and veering into talking about a bloody Civil War isn’t any better. People come here to read about country music, not to sift through endless back and forths that solve nothing. I’ve asked nicely multiple times for people to stay on topic. You are not going to be allowed to continue these discussions. Take your talking points to a more relevant venue, or wait until there are more relevant topics here to spew your talking points that won’t convince anybody of anything. The point of this article was to celebrate Willie Nelson, appreciate that he’s still among us, and to try and tell a positive story for once. If people continue to disrespect the spirit of this article, I’ll have to shut this comments section down in its entirety.
August 22, 2022 @ 9:07 am
Ten-4 Trig,
You can put your head back in the sand now.
August 22, 2022 @ 10:18 am
Watchdog group of one.
You need to even up. Stop playing the game.
You know exactly what i’m talking about.
We going to talk about Matthew McConaughey, now?
And, of course we’re all Happy that Willy made it through.
September 5, 2022 @ 6:08 am
You are the one spreading misinformation Willie Fan, check your so called ‘facts’
https://www.theblaze.com/news/ivermectin-covid-treatment-new-study
August 22, 2022 @ 3:27 pm
Thinking of you Willie, bringing
back memories of my companion Rick who passed away from Covid 19 and Cardiac arrest 4/21/20
Rick was one of your biggest fans, had all your recordings.
We went to see you many times, in Massachusetts.
Stay well Willie, as I listen to your songs on Willie’s Road House., in remembrance of my Rick❤????
August 20, 2022 @ 1:22 pm
Oh,crap !!! Glad Willie recovered !!! My next wish is a new album for the great man’s 90th birthday next Apr.29 !!!
August 20, 2022 @ 5:43 pm
I flew to Chicago at the beginning of aug to see him play a show on my birthday. My friend and I just kept remarking how lucky we were to be able to see him at all, that he even still tours at his age. He is a national treasure and this post only makes me feel more grateful to have seen him. It might be the only time I get to, but gd he still has it.
August 21, 2022 @ 12:51 am
I love Willie Nelson and I’m so glad he recovered from Colvin and I hope he’s on this Earth for another 25-30 years he’s the greatest singer Wayland And Willie love you Willie and is Willie says and I believe don’t be an a****** too don’t be an a****** three don’t be a GD a****** you’re one of my heroes Willie and always will be
August 22, 2022 @ 7:14 am
We should be so lucky. I have been a Willie fan since the late 60’s. I will miss him when he goes. I’m not going to worry about that. Just pray. I think Country music will struggle long and hard to fill the gap. Getting Wynona back might help.
August 21, 2022 @ 3:35 am
Willie was at Dollywood a couple weeks ago filming scenes for her NBC Christmas movie for later this year. I love how the older legends just keep on working. I don’t see the newer artists doing that when they are in their 70s and 80s. Dolly and Bill Anderson just released a new single and video too.
August 21, 2022 @ 10:09 am
Lol, imagine 95-year old Sam Hunt or Kane Brown still trying to sell records.
August 21, 2022 @ 5:37 am
My dad passed away due to covid in November 2020. Willie was his all time favorite. Listening to Willie in those days and months after my dad died really helped me, and still does today. I’ll never get over the loss of my dad, but country music is there to get me through. I am very grateful Willie survived. Thanks, Trigger, for this great article!
August 21, 2022 @ 7:10 am
Probably best they didn’t say who around Willie tested positive, it’d be a shame if misguided fans on the internet went after someone who didn’t do anything wrong. Like some would be sure to do. It’s impossible to be completely safe as an average person let alone a traveling musician. Glad Willie pulled through.
One thing that stuck out to me is that I always thought the phrase “mortal coil”, typical of eulogies and such, referred to the body of the deceased rather than the world of the living as you seem to have interpreted it. Either one of us could be wrong though. It’s not really a term you hear much outside of a few stock phrases everyone knows.
August 21, 2022 @ 9:56 pm
Oh, please. The last 2 U.S. Presidents, First Ladies, the PM and Queen and Heir Apparent of Great Britain all got Covid. Why would you think Willie wouldn’t get it? He sure as hell does not have anything like the team of people tasked with protecting him 24/7 that those people do.
August 21, 2022 @ 10:33 am
God bless and I wish you fast and speedy recovery I love you!!
August 21, 2022 @ 10:45 am
Willie as my first concert as a kid. It was after a Giant’s baseball game at Candlestick Park in either ’86 or 87. I can’t remember. I just remember it was super hot (for San Francisco) and I went with my Dad. Glad he pulled through and maybe I can take my kids to see Willie like my dad did for me.
August 21, 2022 @ 11:40 am
????…”Perhaps an 89-year-old surviving COVID tells us just how far we’ve come with the disease.”….????
August 21, 2022 @ 12:08 pm
Willie, you are loved. There is no other like you. I see you as a caring compassionate man with a voice that can’t be matched. I love playing your CDs & singing along with you. . I have about every album you’ve made… So glad you are okay. God is good. His love for you shows as He brought you through that Chinese virus. Keep on singing & playing that guitar with the hole in it. Love you man!!
August 21, 2022 @ 5:54 pm
Always wanted to see Willie in concert, and I did last week at Springfield Illinois State Fair!! He was great!!
August 22, 2022 @ 4:35 am
I can’t imagine life without Willie. I have always loved him and I know that he sings me Love Songs right to me. I know that he has gone through some sadness, but I hope that he gets stronger and will be better for along time and lives at least one day longer than I do
August 22, 2022 @ 5:09 am
Going to see him in September with my daughter and grandson!
Willie and Dolly are my all time favorites. I remember listening to the Outlaws album at a friend’s house in the 70s and fell in love with the music. Can’t wait for The Christmas movie.
August 22, 2022 @ 7:23 am
I grew up on Willie Nelson, he was my dad’s favorite and us kids too! I know every song he’s ever sang? I’ve seen him in Fort Worth Texas, I’ve seen him in Kentucky and Indiana and I hope to see him on his next tour! He never fails to put on a fantastic show without all the smoke and lights just fantastic music,! You get what you pay for, straight up Willie! I can’t even imagine a world without Willie!
September 23, 2022 @ 10:46 am
agree with you
August 22, 2022 @ 11:33 am
I lived in Nashville for 34 years and it was heaven compared to Texas where I live now.
I was in Kroger in Inglewood and willie was there he had on his red bandana a worn-out t-shirt and holey jeans. My aunt was with me and she yelled out, hey willie! and he yelled back hey Margaret! They hugged and talked about their kids she ask about his wife and things of the past. She introduced me to him and told me that willie had been a good friend of hers for years. I was 16 at the time I was shocked that she knew him. I saw him but I assumed he was a homeless person by his appearance. Boy was I wrong. He was was a very kind person and seemed to be genuine in his ways. They stood there and talked and you could see that they had been friends for a long time. They hugged again and he hugged me and he told my aunt not to be a stranger. You know where I live and you’re welcome anytime and bring your niece. I’m glad I ran into you Margaret I love you and I’ll see you soon. And that was my experience with willie. When my aunt passed away the last person I expected to see was willie. But he looked like a million dollars when he stepped out of his car. Everyone there gasped but me. I walked up to him and gave him a big hug and everyone was floored that Willie Nelson was at my aunt’s funeral. We just smiled at each other and left them to wonder. Thank you willie and plz get well and stay well. Love you sweetheart.
September 22, 2022 @ 1:55 pm
And what it is?
November 3, 2022 @ 7:13 pm
oh willie, ball me in the mountain stream . . .
August 4, 2023 @ 12:57 pm
I pray for all the very best for you Mr. Willie Nelson. You have been through a lot and your music has been enjoyed by many.