Willie Nelson doesn’t know the secret to aging gracefully, but he seems to know what works for him. The country music legend will turn 90 years old at the end of this month, and he still has the same zest for life that he had over a decade ago.
While speaking with E! Online, Nelson, 89, opened up about his way of life, which includes his daily eating habits, skincare routine, and, of course, his regular use of marijuana, which is something he has credited as being a life-saver for him in the past.
Nelson Says Marijuana Saved His Life
Nelson reflected on the latter of those three topics and admitted, “Well, it not only saved my life, it probably saved some other people’s lives too because before I smoked marijuana, I was drinking a lot. And I might have killed a lot of people. So I’m just glad that that didn’t happen. I’m glad we live through all of the bad times.”
Of his keys to a successful and fulfilling life, Nelson lives by one philosophy.
He says, “I really do believe in imagining what you want to do and letting it happen. And that’s my full philosophy, and it’s working.”
Maintains His Weight At A Healthy Level
Nelson shares that he has been able to keep his weight at a healthy level and that he tends to eat only when he’s hungry.
He also credits his wife Annie D’Angelo for fixing his meals to help him manage his wellness routine.
“I don’t eat a lot, really. Annie does my cooking for me,” the “On the Road Again” singer revealed. “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.”
“And I’m doing pretty good,” he continued. “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.”
Willie Nelson’s 90th Birthday Celebration
Nelson will mark his 90th birthday on Friday (April 28). And he plans to go big with his celebration. The country icon will ring in his 90-year milestone with back-to-back shows at the legendary Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Dubbed Long Story Short: Willie Nelson 90, the concerts will take place on Saturday, April 29 and Sunday, April 30, 2023.
Allison Russell, Beck, Billy Strings, Bobby Weir, Charley Crockett, Chris Stapleton, Edie Brickell, Kacey Musgraves, Leon Bridges, Lukas Nelson, Lyle Lovett, Margo Price, Miranda Lambert, Nathaniel Rateliff, Neil Young, Norah Jones, Orville Peck, Particle Kid, Rosanne Cash, Sheryl Crow, Snoop Dogg, Sturgill Simpson, The Avett Brothers, The Chicks, The Lumineers, Tom Jones, Tyler Childers, Warren Haynes, and Ziggy Marley are all on the bill for the event with more artists being added in the coming weeks.
When asked what he wants his legacy to be, Nelson says, “Oh, that I always showed up. I believe in honesty. I believe in being truthful even when it hurts and I think that’s a hard one for everybody to grasp. That’s what I keep telling myself, if you’re lying then shut up and tell the truth.”
Along with Long Story Short: Willie Nelson 90, Nelson is slated to release a new album called I Don’t Know A Thing About Love. The project is a tribute to Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Harlan Howard, and features cover art designed by Nelson’s son, Micah Nelson.
The 10-track I Don’t Know A Thing About Love is due out on Mach 3.
