Willie Nelson Announces The Passing Of His Sister And Band Mate Bobbie Nelson

Country and Gospel music fans all over the world are in mourning with the Nelson family as Willie broke the heartbreaking news of Bobbie's passing.

Bobbie is not only remembered as the elder sister to Willie but a talented pianist and singer in his band "Willie Nelson and Family."

The "Angel Flying Close To The Ground" singer took to social media to announce her exit from the world along with a touching tribute.

Hours ago, Willie updated his Instagram page with the news of Bobbie's worldly exit and a heartwarming monochrome selfie of him and her embracing each other and smiling radiantly at the camera. 

The "Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain" musician wrote in his caption that the beloved pianist, musician, and author has died. He continued:

"AUSTIN, Texas (March 10, 2022) -- From The Nelson Family: Bobbie Nelson passed away this morning, peacefully and surrounded by family. Bobbie was 91." 

Willie took a walk down memory lane about his sister, praising her angelic qualities and admitting that her demise is a source of heartbreak in his family's life. He penned:

"Her elegance, grace, beauty, and talent made this world a better place. She was the first member of Willie’s band, as his pianist and singer. Our hearts are broken, and she will be deeply missed. But we are so lucky to have had her in our lives. Please keep her family in your thoughts and give them the privacy they need at this time."

According to Billboard, Bobbie was the first addition to the "Willie Nelson and Family" musical group and devoted over five decades of her life to recording songs and touring the world with the band's founder.

Bobbie and Willie have always had music in their DNA. While growing up in Abbot, Texas, their grandparents encouraged them to play instruments and eventually chase a musical career. The late 91-year-old previously said:

"My grandfather had said to me when I was learning to play the piano: You know, if you really work at this, you could earn your living playing music one day. And I never forgot that."

The talented siblings were quick studies and already became well versed in playing instruments by their teenage years. They later joined Bobbie's husband's band "The Texans."

The wife took on the piano while Willie contributed with vocals and guitar. The band dissembled following the couple's divorce in 1995.

Following Fletcher's tragic passing in a car crash in 1961 and losing custody of her three sons to his parents, Bobbie moved to Forth Worth, Texas.

The "Where He Leads Me" singer completed an admin degree at a business college in the area. She then took a job with Hammond Organ Company using her degree and musical talents.

As an employee of the enterprise, Bobbie was in charge of the music library and the demonstration of its instruments. She later relocated to Austin, Texas, after getting custody of her boys.

The "Who'll Buy My Memories" singer began playing at supper clubs, restaurants, and lounges in Nashville and Austin to earn extra income for herself and her offspring.

In 1973, the mother-of-three received a life-changing phone call from her younger brother to join a recording session with Atlantic Records. She became a full-fledged band member that same year.

Bobbie became a chart-topping sensation as a member of "Willie Nelson and Family." In 1997, their song "Hill Country Christmas" took the sixtieth spot on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart.

In 2007, the "Until Tomorrow" singer released her debut album titled "Audiobiography," which, as the name suggests, contains a dozen of her most loved songs which encapsulate her life story.

Justice Records released the album, and Willie also supported his sister by contributing his vocals on two of her singles.

Under Legacy Recordings in 2021, Bobbie appeared on "The Willie Nelson Family" album to perform a gospel-centered collection of songs for their band.

Willie, who has won 12 Grammy Awards and over a dozen Country Music Association Awards, also ventured into the writing field with his beloved elder sister.

The siblings partnered on a memoir titled "Me and Sister Bobbie: True Tales of The Family Band," which Random House released in 2020

In 2021, the power duo published a book in the children's category titled "Sister, Brother, Family: An American Childhood in Music" published by Doubleday.