Willie Nelson has been with his wife Annie D’Angelo Nelson for over two decades, but that doesn’t mean their marriage has fizzled throughout the years. In fact, the country music legend’s marriage couldn’t be stronger.
Nelson will appear in an upcoming issue of PEOPLE, where he spoke highly of his relationship with D’Angelo and revealed the secret to the sweet couple’s long-lasting marriage.
“As they say, laughter’s the best medicine. I’ve always enjoyed a good joke,” Nelson told the outlet of how he and D’Angelo keep their love life fresh.
But lightheartedness isn’t the only trick to making each other feel special. Nelson, who will celebrate 32 years with Annie D’Angelo Nelson in September, also has affectionately given her a unique nickname.
“I call her my pet rattler,” he shares, “She’s my lover, my wife, nurse, doctor, bodyguard.”
Nelson and D’Angelo met in 1986 while the country outlaw was working on the set of his film Stagecoach. They tied the knot four years later, in 1991. The couple are proud parents to two children, Lukas, 34, and Micah, 33. (Nelson is also father to Lana, 69, Susie, 66, Paula, 53, and Amy, 49, from previous relationships).
“We’ve got a couple of great kids,” Nelson says. “I am proud of them and all they’re doing on their own. It’s great to have your kids with you at any time, but if they’re on the stage singing with you and they’re good, that makes it even better.”
“It’s better to show them rather than tell them,” he added. “If they see your work ethic every day, then they realize, ‘Hey, maybe he knows what he’s doing.’”
Nelson has shared his appreciation for his family, including D’Angelo on other occasions, such as at a time when he opened up about his health and wellness and how he has maintained his weight over the years.
Giving D’Angelo credit for helping him manage his meals, he said, “I don’t eat a lot, really. Annie does my cooking for me. She’ll tell you that I don’t eat much. Eggs, you know, I’ll eat an egg or two, and a waffle maybe or toast. And I like protein shakes. I drink a lot of those.”
“I’m doing pretty good,” he added. “I’ve managed to keep my weight down pretty good, and I really don’t do anything bad for me. Now, I don’t drink as much as I used to. I still take a drink of tequila occasionally, but not like I used to.”
Nelson has also kicked cannabis, telling PEOPLE that it has “added a few days to my life….I still have a good time. There are probably other things I will do and can do, but I’m not going to push myself too hard. I know one day it all ends, but I’m not rushing it.”
And it turns out Nelson is still, indeed, having a “good time.”
On April 29, the “On The Road Again” star celebrated his 90th birthday in style, throwing a two-day bash at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, Calif., over his birthday weekend.
Dubbed Long Story Short: Willie Nelson 90, the birthday extravaganza included over 50 artists. Among the many artists were George Strait, Miranda Lambert, Sheryl Crow, Shooter Jennings, Snoop Dogg, The Chicks, and Nelson’s good buddy Kris Kristofferson. Later this year, Nelson will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
