Willie Nelson recently sat down with CNN’s Anderson Cooper for a heartfelt conversation about Farm Aid, grief, his own near-death experience, and his final interaction with Dolly Parton.
Farm Aid 2026 is taking place Saturday, September 26, at Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Since the festival began in 1985, it has raised awareness and support for family farmers and sustainable agriculture.
During the interview, Cooper asked Nelson whether he realized just how seriously ill he was during his health scare.
Nelson didn’t hesitate.
“Oh yes,” he replied. “I could tell I was dying. I wanted to die. It was the worst feeling I’ve ever had.”
The country legend also reflected on the possibility of what his death would have meant for the people closest to him. Having experienced tremendous loss throughout his life, including the deaths of his son, friends, and other loved ones, Nelson understands that grief can leave a lasting mark.
He acknowledged that his family would never simply “get over” losing him, but they would eventually find a way to keep going—just as he has done after the losses he has experienced.
Nelson also joked about what he might want in another life, saying he would like to come back as a rodeo cowboy.
Willie Nelson Remembers His Final Interaction With Dolly Parton
The conversation took an emotional turn when Cooper asked Nelson about Dolly Parton, who died on August 25 following a brief battle with cancer.
“She was great, I loved her,” Nelson said.
Cooper then asked whether Nelson knew Dolly was seriously ill before her death. Nelson revealed that he had no idea.
“I had no idea. I did an interview with her shortly before [she died]. She seemed fine,” he explained.
Nelson and Dolly shared a long musical friendship, and the two had performed together over the years. Cooper brought up Dolly’s comment that singing with Nelson could be challenging because of his unpredictable phrasing.
Nelson laughed at the memory and explained that his phrasing is rarely exactly the same from one performance to another.
Their conversation eventually turned to Dolly’s iconic song “I Will Always Love You” and the story behind its creation. Dolly originally wrote the song for Porter Wagoner as she prepared to leave their successful professional partnership and variety show.
Then came another unexpected revelation.
One of Nelson’s team members, speaking from off camera, mentioned that Willie had just recorded the song himself.
Cooper was surprised by the news.
“Yeah,” Nelson confirmed. “In my last session. It was a great song. A great, positive song.”
The revelation adds another touching connection between two country music legends whose friendship and musical legacy have spanned decades.