Country music legend Willie Nelson has reflected on his long career, personal struggles and approach to life as he continues performing at the age of 93. In a new interview, the singer discussed the experiences that shaped him, including his health problems, his friendships with fellow musicians and the importance of continuing to perform.
Nelson has spent decades building a reputation as one of the most recognised figures in country music. His career includes more than 150 albums, major songwriting successes and collaborations with artists from different musical backgrounds. Songs such as “On the Road Again” and “Crazy” have remained closely associated with his name, while his work with the group The Highwaymen brought him together with Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson.
His recent music has also explored ageing, loss and the passage of time. Nelson’s album “Dream Chaser” reflects on mortality and the experiences of growing older. He has also written a memoir titled “The Last Leaf”, in which he shares memories of people he worked with and the changes he has experienced throughout his life.
The singer spoke openly about his earlier lifestyle and the health problems that followed. He admitted that he had consumed too much alcohol, smoked heavily and taken pills during parts of his younger life. He said that he stopped drinking in 1978 after recognising the damage it was causing. His smoking habits also contributed to breathing difficulties and repeated bouts of pneumonia.
Nelson later stopped smoking cannabis at the age of 86 after experiencing further respiratory problems. He has continued to use cannabis products in other forms, explaining that he now takes them as food or drinks rather than smoking them. He said that protecting his lungs became necessary after suffering a collapsed lung.
Despite these difficulties, Nelson has continued to perform. He said that being on stage remains one of the most important parts of his life and that he feels good before, during and after a concert. Over the past year, he has played dozens of shows, including the Farm Aid festival, an event he helped establish in 1985 to support family farmers.
His personal life has also played an important role in his later years. Nelson described his wife, Annie D’Angelo, as his closest friend and credited her with providing support over their four decades together. He also spoke about losing close friends, including Cash, Jennings and Kristofferson, and said he feels fortunate to still be alive.
At 93, Nelson continues to record music, perform and remain active in business. His reflections offer a picture of a musician who has experienced serious challenges but still finds purpose in creative work and personal relationships. For him, continuing to make music is not simply a career choice; it is a central part of how he enjoys life.
