Willie Nelson is no stranger to wild internet rumors, and once again, the country music legend is laughing in the face of false reports that claim he has died.
The Texas icon recently poked fun at the fake stories on his Instagram, posting playful photos of himself relaxing on a couch in a robe with a caption teasing those who fall for AI-generated death hoaxes.
Fake reports about Nelson’s death aren’t new. Years before AI made false stories more convincing, he turned the rumors into music with his 2017 song, “Still Not Dead,” which jokingly addressed waking up “still not dead” after reading headlines claiming otherwise.
In a past interview, Nelson said he was inspired to write the song after repeatedly seeing false reports of his own passing. He explained that he simply wanted to let people know the truth — he was very much alive.
Now 92, Nelson says he doesn’t fear death. He’s shared that he feels good, isn’t in pain, and has no reason to worry about dying anytime soon. While he slowed down touring due to health concerns last year, he recently returned to the stage for a special performance at a cancer center fundraiser in Houston.
Nelson remains as productive as ever. He continues to release new music and recently earned Grammy nominations for two albums, including “Oh What a Beautiful World” for Best Traditional Country Album and “Last Leaf on the Tree,” produced by his son. The title track reflects on longevity, loss, and the musical legacy he plans to leave behind.
Despite outliving many of his closest friends and collaborators, Nelson stays philosophical about life and death. He has said he believes in reincarnation and feels no need to rush toward the end. Though he admits he’s lost many legends along the way, he embraces his role as one of the last remaining icons, still standing — and still creating.