Willie Nelson, the legendary country music icon, has always captivated audiences with his talent and charisma. But behind the scenes, his personal life has had its fair share of ups and downs, and now he’s opening up about it on his new Paramount+ show, Willie Nelson & Family. In this four-part docuseries, Nelson sheds light on some long-standing questions that fans have had for years.
One revelation in the series is the story of how Nelson’s ex-wife, Shirley Collie, discovered his affair. It all started when Shirley stumbled upon a peculiar piece of mail – a hospital bill. This bill revealed the birth of a baby girl named Paula, born to Nelson’s longtime girlfriend, Connie. As Nelson recounts the moment, “Shirley wanted to know who in the hell was Connie Nelson.” Until that moment, Shirley had no idea about the affair or even about Connie’s existence.
The series also delves into the aftermath of the affair. Shirley and Nelson separated just two years after their daughter Paula was born. They finalized their divorce in 1971, and shortly after, Nelson married Connie, who he stayed married to until 1988. However, even during his marriage to Connie, Nelson had another affair with makeup artist Annie D’Angelo. Eventually, he divorced Connie and went on to marry Annie in 1991, where they have remained together ever since.
Despite having three ex-wives, two of whom have passed away, Nelson reflects on his life with a sense of acceptance and belief that everything happens for a reason. “I’ve always said there’s no such thing as a former wife,” Nelson reveals. “Once in your life, a wife never leaves. I regret the pain I caused Connie, and Martha and Shirley before her. I have no excuses. I’d be hard-pressed to define love. I know God’s love is pure, but worldly love is flawed love, and lots of times confused love,” he confesses.
Willie Nelson’s life has been filled with both triumphs and tribulations, and his new docuseries offers an intimate look into his journey. From his music to his personal relationships, Nelson bares it all, giving fans a chance to truly get to know their favorite singer. This series is a must-watch for anyone who wants to appreciate the depth and resilience of this iconic musician.
