News

Willie Nelson Stopped Smoking, But He’s Still Using Marijuana

Willie Nelson recently made headlines after confessing he no longer smokes. During an interview with KSAT TV. the 86-year-old shared that he…

Lauren Jo Black

| Posted on

December 9, 2019

Willie Nelson; Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images

Willie Nelson recently made headlines after confessing he no longer smokes. During an interview with KSAT TV. the 86-year-old shared that he doesn’t smoke anymore in an effort to “take better care of myself.”

The internet was in disbelief over the news of Nelson’s decision to quit smoking, but it turns out the legendary entertainer is still getting his marijuana fix.

Nelson’s publicist, Elaine Schock, recently told The Associated Press that her client has not given up using cannabis and pointed out that there are various ways to consume it.

“That said,” she wrote in an email, “Willie does what he wants, when he wants, when it comes to smoking.”

Although the singer has experienced issues breathing that have forced him to postpone or cancel shows while on tour, the Texas native said he has no plans to stop.

“I love the bus,” he shared. “This is my home.”

Written by

Lauren Jo Black

Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.