Country great Willie Nelson is getting rave reviews for his recent concerts — and sources say the 92-year-old music legend’s second wind is being buoyed by him curbing his consumption of marijuana.
“He doesn’t smoke weed anymore because his lungs won’t tolerate it, but he still consumes the occasional edibles and his own THC drink, which allows him to relax without putting him in a stupor,” an insider shares.
“His wife, Annie, is sure grateful because he’s more lucid, and less of a stoner with his head in the clouds. It’s given him the impetus he needs to perform for the fans, which he loves.”
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Sources say the “Red Headed Stranger” singer’s new lifestyle is helping him to do exceptionally well onstage.
Following his Aug. 10 show in Syracuse, N.Y., which was part of the Outlaw Music Festival, one reviewer observed, according toSyracuse.com, “It’s clear that Nelson wants to continue performing for as long as possible, regardless of age. His voice is often soft, almost spoken, but it can still hit a few golden notes.”
The insider notes, “He’s still seated, but he’s got the stamina to get through 65 minutes of songs.”
In June, Willie confessed he had to give up his weed habit for health reasons after living the high life for many years. The 12-time Grammy winner even once admitted that he would stay stoned “pretty much all the time,” per Rolling Stone.
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“My lungs have already said ‘don’t do that,’” he explained in an interview with Forbes, though he’s still big on cannabis edibles and his Willie’s Remedy products, including the THC Infused Social Tonic and CBD coffee.
For years, Willie has lived with emphysema — a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — and also endured several bouts of pneumonia. He suffered a collapsed lung in 1981 and is known to still have breathing problems.
“It wasn’t so long ago that people thought he was heading toward the end of a long and colorful life, but he’s come back stronger and more spirited than ever,” the insider crows.
“He’s livelier and seems more conversational, too, and everyone around him is so grateful. He may make it to 102 yet.”