# Willie Nelson Recounts Severe COVID-19 Battle in New Memoir The country music icon describes requesting to die during a painful 2022 illness. - **Source:** [Variety – Music](https://variety.com/v/music) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [health](https://brifing.si/c/health) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/f2d04821-6432-4a8e-b39e-1b6fcf568367 ## Severe COVID-19 Struggle Country music legend Willie Nelson recently shared harrowing details regarding his 2022 battle with COVID-19. In his new memoir, The Last Leaf, Nelson recounts how the virus caused him such intense physical suffering that he asked his wife, Annie D'Angelo, to let him die. The experience remains a traumatic memory for both. ## Wife's Emergency Intervention Annie D'Angelo provided critical care while the couple was on their tour bus. She utilized a nebulizer and supplemental oxygen to assist Nelson's breathing as his condition rapidly deteriorated. Recognizing the severity of the situation, she contacted Dr. Greenwood and arranged for a mobile monoclonal antibody treatment to be administered immediately. ## Avoiding Hospitalization Challenges The couple opted against hospital admission, as D'Angelo noted that maintaining privacy in a clinical setting was not a viable option for the musician. Instead, they managed the illness within their private cabin. This decision required them to coordinate specialized medical support to arrive on-site, ensuring Nelson received necessary care while isolated. ## Painful Recovery Process Nelson describes the sensation as excruciating pain felt in every cell of his body during the infection. D'Angelo witnessed his labored breathing and suffering firsthand, describing the two-week period as utter hell. She confirmed that Nelson explicitly asked her to let him go twice during the height of his illness. ## Medical Treatment Details To combat the virus, Nelson received Paxlovid administered through an IV infusion. This medical intervention was essential in stabilizing his condition after standard oxygen support proved insufficient. The treatment helped him survive the nightmare, though the recovery process was grueling and required constant monitoring by his wife throughout the entire ordeal. ## Reflections on Late-Life The account is featured in Nelson's latest book, which explores themes of late-life creativity and his long-standing relationship with D'Angelo. By documenting this health crisis, the singer provides a raw look at his personal life. The memoir, released this past Tuesday, offers readers insight into his resilience during a life-threatening medical emergency. ## Family and Support System Willie Nelson and Annie D'Angelo have been married since 1991 and share two sons, Lukas and Micah. Their partnership proved vital during the 2022 health crisis, as D'Angelo acted as his primary caregiver. Her quick decision-making and dedication were instrumental in navigating the logistical challenges of treating a high-profile patient at home. ## Legacy of Resilience This public disclosure highlights the unpredictable nature of severe COVID-19 cases, even for those with access to private medical resources. Nelson's willingness to share such a vulnerable moment underscores the physical toll of the virus. His survival and subsequent reflection on the event serve as a testament to his enduring personal strength. ## Sources covering this story - https://variety.com/2026/music/news/willie-nelson-covid-die-1236945708/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._