Willie Nelson Leaves Stage in San Diego Due to Breathing Issues, Cancels Additional Shows

Willie Nelson had to abruptly cancel a show near San Diego Saturday evening (1-6) when he was too ill to perform, and has since canceled multiple shows to head back to Texas and recuperate.

Nelson was barely able to start his opening song “Whiskey River” when playing for at the Harrah’s Resort SoCal just north of San Diego before he began coughing and experiencing difficulty breathing according to attendees, eventually leaving the stage. After it was apparent the show could not go on, the performance was canceled.

Subsequent shows have also been canceled due to the illness. Monday night’s (1-8) show at the McCallum Theater in Palm Springs, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday shows at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, and a Sunday performance at the Edgewater Hotel Casino in Laughlin, Nevada have all been canceled.

Willie Nelson’s publicist says the country legend is suffering from “a bad cold or the flu,” but would not elaborate further.

2018 is starting off similar to Willie Nelson’s 2017, when he was also suffering from respiratory issues, and had to cancel multiple shows. This prompted much concern from fans, wondering if the 84-year-old was suffering from declining health. However later in 2017 Willie Nelson bounced back strong, turning in multiple solid performances that put concerns to rest.

Willie Nelson is not the only country legend currently suffering health setbacks. It was revealed on Monday (1-9) that Loretta Lynn fell and fractured her hip last week. “I was with Loretta yesterday. She is in good spirits and is doing as well as can be expected with this type of injury,” sister Crystal Gayle told followers on Instagram.

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