Lukas Nelson Mourns Death Of His Aunt Bobbie
Fair Use / Legacy Recordings via Lukas Nelson + POTR / Instagram
On Thursday (Mach 10), the Nelson family shared the sad news that Bobbie Nelson passed away that morning. She was 91 years old.
Bobbie was Willie Nelson‘s older sister. She was the first member of his band and played with him for decades.
“Her elegance, grace, beauty and talent made this world a better place,” the Nelson family said in a statement that was shared on Willie’s social media pages. “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.”
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Bobbie’s death was mourned by those who loved her, including Willie’s son, Lukas.
Lukas, who is the frontman of Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, wrote a sweet tribute to his beloved aunt on social media. He shared a photo of the book Willie and Bobbie wrote together and published in 2020, Me and Sister Bobbie.
“To truly understand the loss our family has gone through recently.. to understand what a monumental figure my Aunt Bobbie Nelson was in all of our lives, and why.. pick up this book…” Lukas said. “the audio is narrated by her and my father @willienelsonofficial.. it’s a relationship that spans 88 years.. a story of the realest love..“
Lukas called his Aunt Bobbie “the most incredible person” he ever knew and referred to her as “a literal angel.”
“I will miss her,” he said.
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Lukas often performs with Willie, so he also performed with Bobbie many times. He, his brother Micah, his sisters Paula and Amy, and Bobbie all collaborated with Willie on his album The Willie Nelson Family. The album was just released in November 2021.
Head below to listen to the family’s version of “Keep It On the Sunnyside.” Lukas sings lead on the tune, and of course it’s Bobbie you hear playing the piano.
Our hearts and prayers go out to the Nelson family during this difficult time. May Bobbie rest in peace.
