Singing-songwriting legend Willie Nelson turned 85 on Sunday, and he’s ready to go on the road again.

Nelson released his 73rd studio album, "Last Man Standing," this week. He told Texas Monthly that his secret for longevity is to continue being creative and being happy while doing it.

“I think trying to be creative, keeping busy, has a lot to do with keeping you alive,” he told the magazine.

Besides, Nelson told the magazine, why should he retire?

“All I do is play music and golf,” he told Texas Monthly. “Which one do you want me to give up?”

Besides, Nelson said he knows that death is inevitable, so he doesn’t worry about it. For now, he is ready to revel in his longevity. “I don’t want to be the last man standing,” he sang on the title track of his latest album, “But, wait a minute, maybe I do.”

Nelson received many birthday wishes on Twitter. Here’s a sampling:

About the Author

Keep Reading

Duck fat is lower in saturated fats than beef tallow, and as far as health benefits are concerned, it is comparable to olive oil. (Handout)

Credit: Handout

Featured

An aerial view captures a large area under construction for a new data center campus on Thursday, May 29, 2025. Developed by QTS, the data center campus near Fayetteville is one of the largest under construction in Georgia. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez