Willie Nelson, 93, Ignores Pleas to ‘Take it Easy’ As He Prepares for Tour Following Health Issues

Less than a month after turning 93, Willie Nelson is getting back out on the road.

The country music icon plans to kick off his latest cross-country tour on Saturday, May 16, playing through the end of summer — but a source tells Closer loved ones are worried Nelson may be pushing himself too hard.

“Willie’s had his share of health issues and he’s been told to take it easy,” says the source. “Instead, he seems to be throwing himself into performing more than ever.”

This August, the “Always On My Mind” singer’s schedule includes nine shows in 13 days as he headlines his annual Outlaw Music Festival.

“The tour is pretty brutal,” frets the source. “Everyone’s telling him he doesn’t have to do this — they worry Willie is biting off more than he can chew.”

As Closer previously reported, the living legend was forced to cancel multiple shows in 2024, 2018 and 2017 due to illnesses.

A longtime smoker, Nelson has been open about battling emphysema, revealing to The Washington Post in 2015 that he even underwent a stem-cell operation in an attempt to improve his lung health following “four or five” bouts of pneumonia.

On nights when the Grammy winner’s feeling well, “performing still zaps his energy,” notes the source. “Willie is exhausted in-between gigs.”

There seems to be no talking him out of taking the stage, though.

“Suggestions that he slows down fall on deaf ears,” says the source. “He’s so committed. Willie will tell anyone who’ll listen that he loves nothing more in life than playing for his fans. He isn’t going to let them down.”