Willie Nelson Rattled by Viral Death Hoax: ‘People From All Over Were Calling in a Panic’ (Exclusive)

Willie Nelson is still alive and kicking.

The country music legend, 92, took to Instagram earlier this month to debunk yet another false report of his demise. “If you believe those AI death stories one more time…” he wrote alongside a series of portraits taken by photographer Chris Buck.

“Willie doesn’t get rattled by much but those death rumors did bother him,” a source tells Globe. “They spread so fast. People from all over were calling in a panic. It was upsetting.”

However, there was a silver lining to the Internet hoax.

“It’s reminded him how much he still wants to be here,” the source says of the “Always on My Mind” singer, who was recently forced to give up marijuana because his lungs couldn’t take the strain anymore. “He keeps telling people he feels lucky to be alive, lucky to still have his voice and be able to get up every day and do what he loves, and most of all, lucky to have such an amazing family and so many wonderful friends.”

So much so, “Willie’s going to make spending time with them an even bigger focus going forward,” the source reveals. “He really wants to carve out quality time for that.”

Fans can rest assured, though, that they’ll see Nelson on the road again.

“He does want to tour, but it will be very strategically planned so that he’s not overdoing it and still has plenty of time to relax and be with his loved ones,” the source says. “He’s determined to live many more years, but he’s also realistic.”

With his 93rd birthday fast approaching, “Willie’s got a finite amount of time left,” Globe’s source admits, “and he wants to use it wisely.”