Country music legend Willie Nelson has opened up about a harrowing battle with COVID-19 in his latest book, *The Last Leaf: Reflections on Late-Life Creativity — and My Longest Love Affair*. The memoir delves into his personal experiences during the illness, which struck him in May 2022, and highlights the critical role played by his wife, Annie D’Angelo, in his recovery.
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In an exclusive excerpt shared with *People*, the 93-year-old musician recounts the terrifying days that followed his diagnosis. He describes the moment the virus hit him while he and Annie were resting on their tour bus, struggling to breathe as symptoms intensified. Annie, who is 70, remained calm and focused, prepared to act swiftly to manage his condition. “I had the nebuliser on you, and a Q-tip up your nose to test for COVID-19,” Anne recalls. “I knew not to panic, but I also knew this was bad.”
As soon as the test confirmed he had contracted COVID-19, Annie sprang into action. She had anticipated the possibility of Willie falling ill and had devised a treatment strategy in advance. Securing a prescription for Paxlovid from a fellow musician, she ensured that he could receive the necessary care while avoiding the risks associated with a hospital visit.
The couple’s drive back to their home in Austin was fraught with tension. Although the band’s drivers offered to fly home, they opted to stay by Nelson’s side, providing support during a trying journey. Once home, the couple swiftly moved Nelson into their bedroom, which Annie had prepared as a makeshift hospital. As time progressed, concerns about Nelson’s health deepened. “I wasn’t sure you would make it,” Annie admitted, as she worked tirelessly to monitor his condition.
Willie’s recollection of those days is filled with vivid memories of pain and desperation. “All I can remember is feeling excruciating pain in every cell of my body,” he expressed in the book. At one point, he recalls suggesting to Annie that she should let him go. Unwilling to entertain such thoughts, she jokingly responded, “Willie, if you die, I’ll kill you.” She was determined to fight for his life, focusing on the need to get him through the experience.
The couple struggled through two weeks of what Nelson described as “utter hell.” There were moments of despair when he pressed Annie to consider letting him die, underscoring the gravity of his condition and the emotional turmoil they both faced. Fortunately, as the days progressed, Willie began to respond to the treatments provided by their doctor, who informed him of the risks associated with the medication they were using. Nelson’s bravery shone through when he insisted, “Just give it to me,” highlighting his resolve to do whatever it took to survive.
Their relationship has served as the backbone of his narrative, with Nelson revealing that he and Annie have shared a deeply intertwined history since they first met on the set of the TV movie *Stagecoach* in 1986. The couple married five years later and have since built a life together, raising their sons Lukas and Micah.
In *The Last Leaf*, set to be fully released on November 10, Willie Nelson presents not just a personal struggle but also a testament to the love and devotion shared between him and Annie. This book not only provides an insight into their relationship but also a poignant reflection on creativity and resilience in the face of challenges life presents.
As Nelson navigates his twilight years, his words offer inspiration, reminding his readers of the importance of love, commitment, and the strength it brings during difficult times. *The Last Leaf* is available for purchase now, providing fans with an intimate look at the life of one of country music’s most beloved figures.
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