Willie Nelson Cancels Tour Due To 'Breathing Problems'

AUSTIN, TX — Living legend Willie Nelson has canceled the remainder of his current tour in citing breathing problems as the cause, the singer announced on Twitter.

"I'm sorry to cancel my tour, but I have a breathing problem that I need to have my doctor check out," Nelson wrote his fans. "I'll be back." The news means Nelson won't finish his summer run with fellow singer Alison Krauss.

News of the cancellation no doubt resulted in fans' blue eyes — and aficionados of other eye color as well — if not cryin' in the rain, given a streak of triple-digit, precipation-less days across Texas of late, surely saddened. But the beloved 86-year-old entertainer told his followers he'll soon be back on the road again, with scheduled resumption of his tour on Sept. 6 before an appearance at Farm Aid in Wisconsin on Sept. 21.

Texas-born, Nelson is a beloved figure throughout Texas and beyond. There is a statue of the "red-headed stranger" in downtown Austin in honor of his contributions to the local music scene in a city dubbing itself the "live music capital of the world." Fans flock to the bronze likeness outside Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater year-round, visits less fueled by touristy curiosity than near-religious pilgrimage-like fervor.

Nelson moved to Austin when he "retired" in 1972, only to be so reinvigorated by the dynamic music scene in the capital city as to re-launch his musical expression after frequent performances at the Armadillo World Headquarters venue.

The punishing summer tour schedule that had various stops left in August is enough to tire a man one-quarter Nelson's age, the various dates a testament to an indefatigable energy that belies the singer's advanced age. Until his medical condition emerged, he had several gigs lined up this month alone:

• Friday, Aug. 9, Grand Rapids, Michigan, at the Van Andel Arena.
• Saturday, Aug. 10, Huntington, West Virginia, Big Sandy Superstore Arena.
• Monday, Aug. 12, Florence, South Carolina, at the Florence Center.
• Wednesday, Aug. 14, Charlottesville, Virginia, John Paul Jones Arena.
• Friday, Aug. 16, Greenville, South Carolina, Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
• Saturday, Aug. 17, Greensboro, North Carolina, Greensboro Coliseum.

The Sept. 6 concert marking his return is scheduled to take place in Gilford, New Hampshire, as his team reiterated in a Thursday afternoon tweet. "Willie is resting and feeling better," his camp reported, thanking the singer's fans for their support and well wishes.