SISTER and band mate of Willie Nelson, Bobbie Nelson has died “peacefully and surrounded by family”.
The skilled pianist was inducted into the Texas Country music Hall of Fame in 2017.
1
Who was Bobbie Nelson?
Born January 1, 1931, Bobbie Nelson was an American pianist and singer.
The Texas born star was raised by her grandparents who were singing teachers and encouraged music in the household.
She was taught to play piano on an organ pump at the age of five by her grandmother.
After performing at gospel conventions in front of thousands of people at the age of six, she was bought her own piano.
Bobbie, 91, often performed with her younger brother – musician, actor and activist Willie Nelson.
They had sung together from an early age but had separate career paths for many years.
In 1973, her brother called her for a session in New York and toured with him from then on.
Bobbie also released her own solo debut album in 2008 called Autobiography.
She also released a memoir with her brother in 2020, as well as numerous albums together.
Most read in News
What was her cause of death?
An announcement of her death was posted on Willie Nelson’s Instagram on Friday, March 10, 2022.
In the post, the family did not provide a cause.
They did share that she passed away “peacefully and surrounded by family”.
The post said: “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.”
Was Bobbie Nelson married?
Bobbie married Bud Fletcher at the age of 16 and began to play in his band.
They stayed together for around nine years and had three sons together.
Bud’s parents won custody of the children and Bobbie turned to bookkeeping courses but returned to music a year later when she was given custody of the boys again.
Although the pair divorced, Bobbie was devastated when Bud passed away in 1961.
She married twice more with her third and final marriage ending in the late 60s.
The rest of her life was spent on stage performing with her brother, who she claimed to have never had an argument with.
