In these divided times, there are few things that all Americans see eye-to-eye. But thankfully, everyone still agrees that Willie Nelson is awesome.
Unfortunately, 2026 has been a hard year for the living legends of country music.
Now, after weeks of distressing rumors about Dolly Parton’s health, there are no reports that Nelson, 92, is in decline.
Some of the reports have gone so far as to claim that Willie has already passed.
And because this is 2026, many of the hoaxsters are using AI-generated photos to “support” their claims.
The situation has gotten so bad that the usually unflappable Nelson has taken to Instagram to angrily refute the claims.
“If you believe those AI death stories one more time…” he wrote, along with a series of photos of himself, looking very much alive.
Sources close to the iconic singer-songwriter say this is not the first time that he’s become irate over the hoaxes.
“Willie doesn’t get rattled by much, but these death rumors bother him,” one insider told Radar Online.
“They spread so fast and then people from all over were calling in a panic – it was upsetting for him.”
And it’s not the first time that Nelson has expressed his displeasure on social media.
“Lol what a joke,” he commented on a death hoax post in 2024, according to Radar.
“I take pretty good care of myself. And I feel like I’m in pretty good shape physically. Mentally? That’s another story,” Nelson joked in an interview that same year.
“He keeps telling people he feels lucky to be alive, lucky to still have his voice and be able to get up every day and do what he loves, and most of all, lucky to have such an amazing family and so many wonderful friends,” says Radar’s insider, adding:
“He’s going to make spending time with them an even bigger focus going forward.”
Throughout much of the 21st century, Willie has spent his summers criss-crossing the country with fellow music legend Bob Dylan, playing moderately priced shows at smaller venues like minor league baseball stadiums.
While Nelson’s not yet ready to retire from the road, the insider says next summer’s jaunt will likely be his last.
“The tour will be very strategically planned so that he’s not overdoing it and still has plenty of time to relax and be with his loved ones,” said the insider.
“He’s determined to live many more years, but he’s also realistic. He knows he’s in his 90s, he’s got a finite amount of time left, and he wants to use it wisely.”
Here’s hoping one of the most beloved figures in the history of American music will enjoy at least another decade among family and friends.