Watch Willie Nelson Return To The Stage After Illness, Doctor-Ordered Rest

Willie Nelson made a powerful return to the stage on Thursday (July 4) after missing several shows due to an unspecified illness and doctor-ordered rest.

The legendary country star, 91, triumphantly met a cheering crowd during his 4th of July Picnic in Camden, New Jersey. The star-studded lineup included Bob Dylan, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Maren Morris, Mavis Staples and Celisse. The show marked Nelson’s first performance after an illness that prompted him to drop out of several shows on his “Outlaw Music Festival Tour.”

Nelson’s team announced on June 21, in part: “We regret to inform you that Willie Nelson is not feeling well and, per doctor’s orders, has been advised to rest for the next four days.” The statement noted that Nelson was “expected to make a quick recovery.” Since then, his team shared updates stating that the singer would continue to miss tour dates in order to rest. They said over the weekend that Nelson was “cleared by his doctors to go back on the road again.” Some social media users expressed concern and offered well-wishes to Nelson with each update.

Watch Wilson’s return to the stage here, and see his upcoming tour dates below.

07-06 Bethel, NY - Bethel Woods Center for the Arts ^%

07-07 Hershey, PA - Hersheypark Stadium ^%

07-29 Chula Vista, CA - North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre &@

07-31 Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl &@

08-03 Mountain View, CA - Shoreline Amphitheatre &@

08-04 Wheatland, CA - Toyota Amphitheatre &@

08-07 Boise, ID - Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater &@

08-09 Spokane, WA - One Spokane Stadium &@

08-10 George, WA - Gorge Amphitheatre &>@

09-06 Somerset, WI - Somerset Amphitheater &*

09-07 Tinley Park, IL - Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre &*