Willie Nelson Reflects on His Life and Longevity at Age 93

At 93 years old, country music legend Willie Nelson remains a fixture in the industry, though he prefers to keep his conversations focused on the future rather than revisiting the past. His publicist notes that discussing his extensive history—including his 150-plus albums, the Highwaymen supergroup, or his creative process for iconic tracks like On the Road Again—is off the table. Instead, Nelson is currently centered on his touring schedule and his expanding cannabis business ventures. The supergroup he formed with Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings; writing On the Road Again on an aeroplane sick bag, which rules out talking about the 150-plus albums he’s made; the Highwaymen. It also rules out talking about paying off a $32m tax bill with a double album called The IRS Tapes; co-founding Farm Aid with Neil Young and John Mellencamp; taking $40,000 off Woody Harrelson in a single poker session; or breaking up a massive brawl in a parking lot with two Colt 45s before signing autographs for cops. We eventually negotiate an extra five minutes. Made famous by Patsy Cline, is one of the great songs about anguished love), few songwriters have ever written with such raw emotion (Crazy. According to or such stoner humour (the title Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die, It all). But am told he prefers the more traditional way of talking across continents, so we opt for the phone, i suggest that we Zoom. Though a little smokier these days, his voice is as honeyed when speaking as singing. According to when Willie has, All he wants to say, he comes to an easy stop and waits. He clarified that he was still consuming the cannabis chemicals THC (to get high) and CBD (to fix his aches and pains) in food and drink. “I had a lung collapse, so I have to be really careful, but to stop us worrying. According to he, It gives him more pleasure than ever because now it comes pain free. The publicist offers 10 minutes. It’s doing real good, how is the business doing? “From what I hear. But here he reflects on the young kid who moved to Tennessee “with an old guitar and eyes full of stars chasin’ a crazy dream”, he might not like looking back on the past in conversation. He has played 36 gigs, including the annual Farm Aid festival, which he co-founded in 1985 and which funds emergency grants and legal aid for farmers facing foreclosure or natural disasters, over the past year. According to whiskey was his main tipple, and he has, He was a “mean drunk”.

Reflecting on his life, Nelson admits that he never anticipated such a long career. He candidly shares that he lived recklessly in his younger years, noting that he consumed excessive amounts of alcohol and pills. He jokingly remarks that he never expected to survive past the age of 21, adding that he did everything the wrong way, often repeating his mistakes. By 1978, he stopped drinking alcohol, describing himself as a formerly difficult drinker who faced serious health complications from smoking and bouts of pneumonia. If not, life will take another course. The way I was going, i don’t think anyone expected me to live beyond 21.

Today, Nelson maintains his health by avoiding smoke, having quit smoking cannabis at age 86 after years of dealing with breathing issues and emphysema. However, he continues to consume cannabinoids through edibles and other products. Alongside his wife, Annie, he launched Willie’s Reserve in 2015, followed by the 2018 debut of Willie’s Remedy, which offers non-smokable options like teas and mocktails. He reports that his business endeavors are performing well.

His latest memoir, The Last Leaf, serves as a reflection on his current state of mind and his philosophy on life. Nelson explains that his secret to longevity is simple: he believes in envisioning one’s desires and then stepping aside to let them manifest without overthinking or excessive planning. He remains an active performer, recently releasing his 79th studio album, Dream Chaser, produced alongside long-time collaborator Buddy Cannon.

Despite his legendary status, Nelson prefers a quiet life. He enjoys simple pleasures like playing dominoes or poker with friends. While he resides primarily in Spicewood, Texas, he was speaking from his home in Maui, Hawaii. During his interview, he maintained his trademark, easy-going demeanor, punctuating his speech with his characteristic phrase, “well, you know.” And what does that primarily consist of, I ask. We normally ask a minimum of an hour for an interview. And make sure that what you’re asking for is what you actually want.

His musical legacy is defined by his ability to collaborate across genres, having worked with artists ranging from Ray Charles and Dolly Parton to Snoop Dogg. The rapper once famously remarked on Jimmy Kimmel Live that Nelson was the only person who managed to out-smoke him, forcing him to call a timeout. Nelson’s more recent work, including the album Last Leaf on the Tree, tackles themes of aging, mortality, and loss with emotional depth. He has a wonderful Carver-esque ability to tell pared-down stories in song (the concept album Red Haired Stranger is about a heartbroken preacher exacting revenge on his wife and her lover).

Nelson is also known for his political advocacy.

He has been a vocal critic of the MAGA movement, specifically denouncing the 2018 policy that separated migrant families at the border, which he called outrageous.

He has a complicated history with Donald Trump, having worked at the former president’s Atlantic City resort for two weeks decades ago. While he suggests that he understands how American politics cycles through different leaders, he has consistently opposed Trump’s policy agenda, even releasing the song Vote ’Em Out in 2018 during a Texas rally.

Regarding his own mortality, Nelson embraces his status as a survivor. When asked if he feels like the last leaf on a tree, he agrees that he has been fortunate to reach this point. He credits his enduring creative spirit and his ability to adapt as key to his survival. Even after 50 years of what he calls a version of retirement, he remains committed to his music, finding that performing is essential to his well-being, both before and after he hits the stage.