Willie Nelson’s Four Wives: The Untold Stories Of Martha, Shirley, Connie, And His Longest-Lasting Love, Annie D’Angelo
As of late 2025, country music icon Willie Nelson continues to defy time, touring and releasing new music, all while maintaining his decades-long, stable marriage to his fourth wife, Annie D’Angelo. His enduring career, however, is matched only by the dramatic and colorful history of his love life, a journey that spans four marriages, three divorces, and eight children.
The story of Willie Nelson’s wives is a fascinating look into the life of a man constantly on the road, where the lines between his personal life and his outlaw persona often blurred. From his first marriage at 19 to his current partnership of over 30 years, each relationship has played a critical role in shaping the legendary Red Headed Stranger.
Willie Nelson’s Complete Biography of Wives and Children
Willie Nelson has been married four times, fathering eight children across these relationships. His current marriage to Annie D'Angelo is his longest and most stable union.
- Full Name: Willie Hugh Nelson
- Born: April 29, 1933 (Currently 92 years old as of late 2025)
- Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Actor, Activist
- Current Wife: Annie D'Angelo (m. 1991–present)
- Total Marriages: Four (4)
- Total Children: Eight (8)
The Four Wives of Willie Nelson
The path to finding his "forever" love was a long and often tumultuous one, marked by the pressures of touring, financial instability, and the temptations of the road.
1. Martha Matthews (1952–1962)
Willie Nelson’s first marriage began in 1952 when he was just 19 and Martha Matthews was 16. This was the era before his major commercial success, characterized by Willie’s struggles as a nascent musician and a heavy drinker.
The marriage was reportedly volatile. Matthews, often called "Sistie," was known for her fiery temper, once allegedly tying Willie up with a rope during a fight.
They had three children together: Lana Nelson, Susie Nelson, and William Hugh "Billy" Nelson Jr. (who tragically passed away in 1991). The marriage ended in divorce in 1962.
2. Shirley Collie (1963–1971)
Willie married his second wife, singer Shirley Collie, in 1963. They were a musical partnership for a time, performing together and collaborating on songs.
Their marriage came to a dramatic end due to Willie’s long-running affair with Connie Koepke. The affair was exposed in a manner fit for a country song: Collie found a hospital bill for the birth of a baby named Paula Carlene Nelson, listing Willie as the father.
The discovery led to their divorce in 1971, marking the end of a relationship that had been deeply impacted by Willie’s infidelity while on the road.
3. Connie Koepke (1971–1988)
Connie Koepke, a lab technician, became Willie Nelson’s third wife in 1971, the same year his divorce from Shirley Collie was finalized.
The relationship, which began as an affair, resulted in two daughters: Paula Carlene Nelson (born 1969) and Amy Lee Nelson (born 1973).
This marriage lasted 17 years, his longest up to that point, and coincided with some of his most significant creative and commercial periods, including the release of *Red Headed Stranger*. Despite its longevity, the marriage ended in divorce in 1988.
4. Annie D’Angelo (1991–Present)
Annie D’Angelo is Willie Nelson’s current wife and has proven to be his most enduring partner. They met in 1986 on the set of the TV movie *Stagecoach*, where Annie was working as a makeup artist.
They married in 1991 and have two sons, Lukas Autry Nelson and Micah Nelson, both of whom have followed in their father’s footsteps as musicians.
Their relationship is often credited with bringing stability to Willie’s life. He has publicly praised her role in his longevity, referring to her as his "lover, nurse, and bodyguard."
Annie D’Angelo: The Woman Who Gave Willie Nelson His Longest Run
Annie D’Angelo’s impact on the country music legend extends far beyond their wedding date. After three tumultuous marriages, she provided the anchor that Willie Nelson needed to sustain his life both on and off the road.
A Partnership Built on Health and Stability
One of the most significant aspects of Annie’s influence is her attention to Willie’s health. When they first met, Nelson was a heavy smoker. Annie, who had a background in health and wellness, encouraged him to adopt healthier habits, including switching from cigarettes to marijuana, which he credits with saving his life.
In a recent interview, Willie gushed about his 32-year marriage, highlighting Annie’s multifaceted role. He has called her his "nurse" for keeping him healthy and his "bodyguard" for protecting his peace and privacy.
This unwavering support has allowed the nonagenarian to continue his rigorous touring schedule, a feat few artists of his age can match. The couple’s quiet life together, often spent on their Texas ranch or in Maui, stands in stark contrast to the chaos of his earlier years.
The Musical Legacy of Lukas and Micah Nelson
Annie D’Angelo is the mother of Willie’s two youngest sons, Lukas Autry Nelson and Micah Nelson. Both have become successful musicians in their own right, carrying on the Nelson musical dynasty.
Lukas Nelson, in particular, is the frontman for the band Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, and he has collaborated extensively with his father. Micah, who performs as Particle Kid, is also a talented artist and musician. Their presence in the music world is a testament to the creative environment fostered by their parents.
Latest Updates: Debunking Health Scares and Continuing the Tour (Late 2025)
Despite his age and the occasional rumor, Willie Nelson’s current status in late 2025 is one of continued activity. The country music world is frequently plagued by false reports of the legend's demise or severe health crises, a phenomenon Willie himself has addressed with humor.
Recently, a wave of sensationalized media claims suggested Willie was in a "critical condition" or on the brink of death. However, these reports have been consistently debunked by his team and his own public appearances.
In fact, Nelson continues to perform and record. While he did cancel a recent appearance at the Outlaw Music Festival, his team quickly clarified that the cancellation was not due to a major health scare, but rather a minor issue that required rest.
Willie Nelson has stated that he is in "pretty good shape," a condition he attributes, in part, to the care and stability provided by Annie D’Angelo. This ongoing resilience and the support of his wife are the true "latest news" for the country music icon, proving that his fourth and final marriage is the one that has truly gone the distance.
Willie Nelson's Children: A Complete List of the Next Generation
Willie Nelson is the father of eight children, including a daughter, Renee, from a relationship outside of his four marriages, further illustrating the complexity of his personal life.
- Lana Nelson: (with Martha Matthews)
- Susie Nelson: (with Martha Matthews)
- William Hugh "Billy" Nelson Jr.: (with Martha Matthews, deceased)
- Paula Carlene Nelson: (with Connie Koepke)
- Amy Lee Nelson: (with Connie Koepke)
- Lukas Autry Nelson: (with Annie D’Angelo)
- Micah Nelson: (with Annie D’Angelo)
- Renee "Rene" Barley: (from a separate relationship)
The stability provided by Annie D’Angelo has allowed Willie Nelson to focus on his legacy, his music, and his family. After a lifetime of being "On the Road Again," he finally found a lasting home life with his fourth wife, a partnership that continues to thrive well into his nineties.
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