The highly anticipated music video for “On My Way to Heaven” made its debut on 20 June during a special event at the Grand Ole Opry. Acclaimed singer Tanya Tucker, along with actor Dennis Quaid, celebrated the occasion with fans as they viewed the video, which features one of the last filmed performances of the late Kris Kristofferson.
In an interview with PEOPLE, Tucker discussed the significant health challenges she has faced over recent years, including battles with Lyme disease and the Epstein-Barr virus. At 67, the Country Music Hall of Fame member, who first captivated audiences with her hit “Delta Dawn” in 1972, noted that her health struggles have limited her ability to perform live. Recalling a recent disappointment, she expressed her wish to see Andrea Bocelli perform at Bridgestone Arena. “I was too sick to go over,” Tucker reflected, adding that had it been two decades earlier, she would not have let anything stop her.
Despite the physical toll her years have taken, Tucker remains spirited and far from resigned. She stated, “God has given me so much, you know? I recognise Him. It’s the only thing that could’ve been. Us humans couldn’t do what He has done for me.” This faith seems to underlie her resilience as she confronts life’s challenges, both personal and professional.
Looking back at her career, Tucker feels a sense of preordained connection to her journey. She recounted a poignant moment during the filming of the “On My Way to Heaven” video, where Kristofferson’s emotional response to her rendition of his song “Moment of Forever” struck a chord with her. “I wanted to start playing a song that I recorded of his,” she recalled. “As soon as he sat down outside on the bench, I pushed play,” and Kristofferson began to weep.
The music video, which has now been released, is a collaborative effort that showcases the talents of Quaid, Tucker, and the late Kristofferson. Tucker noted her deep connection to the song, which was first recorded by Quaid in 2018. “It just connected deeply with me,” she explained, recalling how she instantly envisioned Kristofferson lending his voice to the track.
Now, as she reflects on Kristofferson’s passing in 2024, Tucker recalls their last encounter with emotion. “I have it on video. You can hear [Kristofferson’s wife] Lisa saying, ‘Now that’s the eyes he’s been looking for and hadn’t seen in a while,'” she shared, remembering the warmth and affection in his gaze. “Without him, it’d be a terrible life — not to have him and his music in it. But I got to have him in it,” she said wistfully.
The release of the video is bittersweet for Tucker, who wishes she could have shared it sooner. “I wasn’t holding onto it,” she clarified. “I wanted to get it out as soon as possible.” She now finds herself at a crossroads in her career, contemplating her future. “I don’t think it’s banging the road 200 days a year,” she revealed, considering alternative avenues for her creative expression.
Though her love for music endures, Tucker is exploring other projects, such as a potential travel television series and a coffee-table book that would celebrate her father and capture insights from his life. She expressed a desire to discover and nurture her other talents rather than solely focus on touring, which has been her primary commitment for half a century.
“I love an audience and I just want to go out when I’m feeling good,” she concluded. With her health challenges in mind, Tucker acknowledges that performing when unwell feels disingenuous to her fans. The prospect of stepping back from an intense touring schedule could usher in a new era for the artist, filled with diverse and exciting opportunities beyond the traditional stage.