Willie Nelson will turn 90 years old on April 29, but he’s still as healthy — and active — as ever. The Texan credits his longevity to a mostly healthy diet, and an active schedule, in spite of his advancing age.
“I don’t eat a lot,” Nelson tells E! News, adding that enjoys eggs, waffles, toast and plenty of protein shakes.
“I’m doing pretty good,” he adds. “I’ve managed to keep my weight down pretty good, and I really don’t do anything that’s bad for me. 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’s first album, ...And Then I Wrote,” was released more than 60 years ago. In the decades since then, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominee has had hit singles, toured the world, penned songs for other artists, acted in movies and on TV shows, won multiple awards, and written numerous books. But when asked what he wanted his legacy to be, Nelson’s answer wasn’t directly related to any of those successes.
“Oh, that I always showed up,” Nelson said, adding that the secret to his success isn’t really much of a secret.
“I wish I could tell you,” he reflected. “I really don’t know, except that I really do believe in imagining what you want to do and let it happen. And that’s my full philosophy and it’s working.”
Of course, Nelson has also been an outspoken advocate for the use of marijuana, which he says has not only benefited him, but others as well.
“Well, it not only saved my life, it probably saved some other people’s lives, because before I smoked marijuana, I was drinking a lot,” Nelson shares. “And I might have killed a lot of people, too. So I’m just glad that that didn’t happen. I’m glad we live through all of bad times.”
Nelson will celebrate his birthday with a two-day, star-studded concert event, Long Story Short: Wilie Nelson Turns 90, held at the Hollywood Bowl on April 29 and 30. Nelson will perform, along with an impressive list of guests, including Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Sheryl Crow, The Chicks, Kacey Musgraves, Lyle Lovett, Margo Price, Neil Young, Norah Jones, Rosanne Cash, Snoop Dogg, Sturgill Simpson, The Avett Brothers, Tom Jones, Tyler Childers, Warren Haynes, Ziggy Marley and many more.
“I can’t think of a better way to spend my 90th birthday than being surrounded by family, friends and of course the fans who made this all possible,” says the singer. “It’s an honor to perform with such an incredible group of artists at such an iconic venue.”
Nelson will also head out on his Outlaw Music Festival Tour this summer, kicking off on June 23. Find music and tour dates at WillieNelson.com.