Willie Nelson, 92 and Still Going Strong, Reflects on Life, Loss, and Legacy
Country music legend Willie Nelson continues to defy expectations as he celebrates his 92nd birthday, proving that age is no match for passion and purpose. Still touring and releasing music after nearly seven decades in the spotlight, Nelson shows no signs of slowing down—even after health scares involving emphysema and COVID-19.
Now, with the release of his 76th solo studio album, The Last Leaf on the Tree, Nelson is opening up about aging and mortality. True to form, his outlook is grounded, humorous, and deeply human.
“I’m 91 plus, so, you know, I’m not worried about it,” he told the Associated Press. “I don’t feel bad. I don’t hurt anywhere. I don’t have any reason to worry about dying.”
He added with a laugh, “I take pretty good care of myself. And I feel like I’m in pretty good shape physically. Mentally? That’s another story.”
Produced by his son Micah Nelson, The Last Leaf on the Tree explores themes of reflection, resilience, and letting go. The album blends original tracks with covers of songs by Tom Waits and Beck, including one poignant new piece co-written by father and son. As Nelson describes it, the record is about “facing death with grace.”
As the last surviving member of the legendary country supergroup The Highwaymen—alongside Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson—Nelson is also coming to terms with the passing of his peers. Kristofferson, the group’s final other surviving member, died in September 2024 at age 88.
“He left a lot of fantastic songs around for the rest of us to sing, for as long as we’re here,” Nelson said. “Kris was a great friend of mine. We had a lot of fun together and made a lot of music—videos, movies. I hated to lose him. That was a sad time.”
Still, Nelson remains as active and committed as ever. In October, he performed at a Houston rally for Vice President Kamala Harris, delighting the crowd with classics like “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” and “On the Road Again.”
The event also brought a heartwarming reunion with fellow Texan Beyoncé, who later paid tribute to Nelson on Instagram. She recalled their first meeting during her Destiny’s Child days and praised his enduring kindness.
“You were so kind to me and the girls of Destiny’s Child when we fanned out meeting you years ago,” she wrote. “And you greeted me with the same kindness 20 years later! I admire you, and I sincerely thank you for being the pioneer you are… You are 1 of 1.”
