Country music star Willie Nelson cancels another tour date amid health concerns

Country music fans everywhere are watching and waiting on further news about the health status of one of the genre's most legendary figures.

It was announced on Wednesday that industry icon Willie Nelson, 91, was forced to cancel a scheduled Virginia Beach stop on his current tour, citing an illness that had already prompted similar prior disruptions to his summer performance plans, as CBS News reports.

Tour dates scuttled

The news about the initial tour setback was made public via a post on Nelson's Facebook page and came on the heels of a similar recent announcement, as Country Music Alley reports.

Nelson's representatives indicated that he would be unable to perform in Virginia Beach as planned, after having previously nixed his appearance at multiple performances slated for the Outlaw Music Festival Tour, which he co-founded.

According to Nelson's social media account, the star's physicians recommended that he rest over the near term but expressed hopes that a prompt return to the stage would be feasible.

“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 message began.

The post continued, “He is expected to make a quick recovery and join the Outlaw Music Festival tour next week.”

Virginia Beach date cancelled

It was on Wednesday that the further bad news about Nelson's schedule emerged, also by way of a post made on the singer's official Facebook page.

“Willie Nelson will not be performing at tonight's show in Virginia Beach,” the status update revealed.

Adding a boost of optimism fans surely appreciated, however, the post also noted, “We expect Willie to return to the tour shortly.”

Prolific career continues

Though Outlaw Music Festival ticket holders were likely disappointed by the news of Nelson's cancellations, the tour  still boasted an impressive roster of other big names set to take the stage in his absence, including Bob Dylan, Alison Krauss, Robert Plant, and more.

Bringing a welcome family flair to the endeavor, the country legend's own son, Lukas Nelson, had plans to treat fans to his own renditions of some favorite Willie Nelson tunes.

Despite having reached an age at which most people have long since retired, Nelson remains a youthful whirlwind of artistic activity, a reality evidenced not just by his continued touring, but also by the fact that he is still creating new music and collaborating with notable performers including Beyonce, to whose recent Cowboy Carter album he contributed.

When asked last year about his extraordinary career longevity, Nelson told CBS Mornings, "I haven't quit. Maybe I should, but after every tour, I say this is it. And then I get the urge to go back,” and that is something for which millions of fans the world over are extremely appreciative