Willie Nelson is sharing the details of his battle with COVID-19 in 2022 a moment that nearly took his life.
He’s preparing to release a memoir titled The Last Leaf: Reflections on Late-Life Creativity—and My Longest Love Affair set to come out on November 10th. In this book he tells a story about love and survival—one that centers around his wife, Annie.
He says the heart of the book is a love story. The heroine he calls her is Annie. She saved him when he thought he was gone. During a CNN interview with Anderson Cooper Willie opened up about how close he came to dying during that time. At 93 years old he said the pain was so intense he wanted to "punch out." It was the suffering he had ever known.
What made the difference? Annie turned their home into a station. She used Paxlovid, monoclonal antibodies, steroids and a nebulizer—anything she could find—to keep him alive. Her actions were not just care. A full-on rescue. Nelson credits her determination as the reason he survived.
Despite years of smoking taking a toll on his lungs he recovered in six days. Two weeks later he was back on stage performing live. That kind of comeback is rare for someone like Willie Nelson.
He also shared his thoughts on what comes after death. He firmly believes in reincarnation. He said he hopes his next life will be as a rodeo cowboy. It's a dream, grounded in a deep connection to his roots.
In the interview he spoke fondly of his long-time friend Dolly Parton.
They’ve known each other since the Porter Wagoner Show. Recently he recorded a version of her song "I Will Always Love You" in the studio. There’s a chance more music might come from it.
Annie and Willie met in 1986 on the set of the movie Stagecoach. She worked as a makeup artist.
They married in 1991. Raised two sons, Lukas and Micah. Their relationship has lasted over four decades.
Now Willie shows no sign of slowing down. In May he released his solo album, Dream Chaser. He finished another summer tour. Some people think he should retire.. Annie says that idea is impossible. For Willie, music and touring are not just jobs—they’re part of who he's
His life continues to be a testament, to creativity, love and resilience.. Now through The Last Leaf he wants the world to know how much his wife meant during his darkest hours.
