Let’s face it — it’s going to be a dark day when Willie Nelson departs this earthly plane. For seven decades, the lovable country outlaw legend has captivated fans in a way that transcends traditional genre markers. Recently, the “Always On My Mind” crooner, 92, canceled a scheduled performance the 2025 Outlaw Music Festival. Nelson’s team clarified that the cancelation came after extreme weather damaged the band’s gear. Still, concerns bubbled up online about the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s health. Those concerns were fertile ground for AI-generated posts claiming (falsely) that the Red-Headed Stranger was fighting for his life in the hospital. Fortunately, Nelson was clearly feeling strong enough to personally debunk those rumors.
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“What a Joke”: Willie Nelson Is Doing Just Fine
In the age of artificial intelligence, misinformation is more pervasive than ever. And in the wake of Willie Nelson’s canceled Outlaw Music Festival set, multiple social media accounts shared posts claiming that Lukas Nelson had confirmed his father’s failing health.
Clearly AI-generated, these posts show images of Willie lying in a hospital bed hooked up to a ventilator, with Lukas sitting tearfully by his bedside. Apparently, one of these posts made its way to the Highwayman, who had no problem setting the record straight.
“Lol what a joke,” Nelson commented on July 3. “Anyways see y’all at 4th of July picnic tomorrow.”
There you have it, straight from the source. Shotgun Willie is feeling just fine and ready to take the stage tonight during his annual Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic. Bob Dylan, The Mavericks, and The Avett Brothers will join him at the Germania Amphitheater in Austin, Texas.
[RELATED: This Willie Nelson Cover Might Just Outshine Kris Kristofferson’s Original]
“What’s the Status of Trigger?”
Embarking on his Outlaw Music Festival, Willie Nelson recently announced the cancelation of a July 1 stop in El Reno, Oklahoma, after extreme weather damaged his band’s equipment. And one fan asked the question on everyone’s mind.
“Glad everybody is okay,” one Instagram user wrote. “what’s the status of Trigger?”
In 1969, Nelson bought a Martin N-20 nylon-string classical acoustic guitar after his previous instrument was damaged. Named “Trigger” after Roy Rogers’ horse, the “On the Road Again” legend continues to play the guitar more than 50 years later.
“I think it’s the best-sounding guitar I’ve ever played,” Nelson said.
Featured image by Rick Kern/Getty Images for Shock Ink
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