Willie Nelson, 91, returns to the road after health concerns, 'not feeling well'

Willie Nelson is back on the road again.

Yes, after weeks of concerns regarding unspecified health issues, Country Music and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Willie Nelson made a Fourth of July return for his annual "4th of July Picnic" event at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden, New Jersey.

Acts including Mavis Staples, Maren Morris, Bob Dylan and more appeared at the event.

What are Willie Nelson's health problems?

Two weeks ago, Nelson, 91, was reported — via his social media — to "not (be) feeling well."

Per his physician's orders, he was advised to rest.

Those attending Nelson's Outlaw Road Show dates were treated instead to his band — dubbed Family, his son Lukas Nelson and special guests performing Nelson's classics and other songs. Other scheduled performers, including Bob Dylan, Robert Plant, Alison Krauss and Celisse, filled out sets in his absence.

In February, Nelson announced an "unprecedented" lineup including himself, Bob Dylan, Robert Plant, Alison Krauss, John Mellencamp, Billy Strings, Brittney Spencer, Celisse and Southern Avenue among acts scheduled to play a run of two dozen North American dates through October.

"This year's Outlaw Music Festival Tour promises to be the biggest and best yet with this lineup of legendary artists. I am thrilled to get back on the road again with my family and friends playing the music we love for the fans we love," Nelson said.

Nelson's festival dates have evolved into one of North America's most significant annual touring franchises for the past decade. Musicians including Chris Stapleton, Neil Young, Luke Combs, Van Morrison, ZZ Top, Eric Church, Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow, Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson, The Avett Brothers and many more have appeared.

Many of those acts celebrated Nelson's improved health via Instagram comments.

"Yes! This makes my heart so happy. We must protect Willie at all costs," stated Margo Price.

In 2023, Nelson was also honored with a CBS-aired 90th birthday celebration from Los Angeles' Hollywood Bowl featuring Nelson, Beck, Gary Clark Jr., Sheryl Crow, Snoop Dogg, Norah Jones, Miranda Lambert, Dave Matthews, Nelson's sons Lukas and Micah, Keith Richards, George Strait and Chris Stapleton.

Five years ago, in Aug. 2019, due to a "breathing problem," Nelson nearly canceled his “On the Road Again” tour. After doctors had addressed the issue one month later, the tour resumed.

Willie Nelson's album 'The Border'

Nelson's 152nd album, "The Border," was released from Sony's Legacy Recordings on May 31, 2024.

The album's lead single, a take on Rodney Crowell's 2019 track "The Border," is written as a tale of the life and times of a Texas border guard. It also features a who's-who of iconic, Hall of Fame-level musicians and songwriters, including longtime collaborator Buddy Cannon (with whom Nelson pairs for "Once Upon a Yesterday," "What If I'm Out of My Mind," "Kiss Me When You're Through," "How Much Does It Cost" and "Hank's Guitar," which Cannon co-wrote with Bobby Tomberlin); Larry Cordle and Erin Enderlin ("I Wrote This Song for You"); Crowell and Will Jennings ("Many a Long and Lonesome Highway"); Shawn Camp and Monty Holmes ("Made in Texas"); and Mike Reid ("Nobody Knows Me Like You").

For more information on all things Willie Nelson, visit willienelson.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: What happened to Willie Nelson? Health concerns and going back on tour