At 90 years old, country music legend Willie Nelson continues to tour across the United States with the Nelson Family Band, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to his craft. However, last year, Nelson faced a significant health scare that momentarily halted his journey.

During a tour, Nelson had to cancel a headlining performance at the Jazz Fest after a member of the band tested positive for COVID-19. It was later revealed that Nelson himself had contracted the virus, sparking serious concern due to his age and vulnerability.

The situation took a frightening turn when Nelson woke up in the middle of the night on his tour bus, struggling to breathe. A rapid PCR test confirmed the worst: he had COVID-19. Given his age, this was a grave development.

In an effort to help Nelson recover, his wife, Annie, took swift action. “I had a nebulizer on the bus. I started everything I could at that point, including Paxlovid, monoclonal antibodies, and steroids,” she explained in an interview with Country Music Television. Their home in Spicewood, Texas, was turned into a makeshift hospital, complete with a medical team to monitor his progress closely.

Despite the severity of the situation, Nelson’s resilience shone through. After six days of intensive care and treatment, he recovered enough to return to the stage. Incredibly, just two weeks later, he resumed his tour, performing in New Braunfels, Texas. His determination and quick recovery amazed everyone around him.

Annie admitted that there were moments when she wasn’t sure Nelson would pull through. “There were a couple of times when I wasn’t sure he was going to make it,” she recalled, reflecting on the gravity of the situation. Yet, in true Willie Nelson fashion, he found humor amidst the ordeal, quipping, “COVID ain’t nothing to laugh at, that’s for sure.”

Following the scare, Nelson and his Family Band resumed their tour with an indomitable spirit. In September, they performed at the Farm Aid 2022 Music Festival in Raleigh, North Carolina, sharing the stage with other top artists like John Mellencamp, Margo Price, Chris Stapleton, and Sheryl Crow.

Willie Nelson is more than a country music icon—he’s a symbol of resilience and perseverance. Even in the face of adversity, he remains committed to his passion, continuing to bring joy to audiences across the country with his music and undying spirit.