Outlaw country legend Willie Nelson has officially cancelled a number of his upcoming tour dates due to respiratory issues. The ailment forced the 84-year-old artist to cut his performance short after just one song this past Saturday night in San Diego. People in the crowd reported to the San Diego Union-Tribune that Nelson was visibly having trouble breathing during his lone song, “Whiskey River”, and appeared to be struggling to breath as he left the stage.

Fans who bought their tickets through Ticketmaster for his Saturday concert at Harrah’s will receive automatic refunds, according to an email from the ticketing agency. It reads: “Unfortunately, due to illness, Willie Nelson’s performance concluded early. The good news is we already refunded your money including fees (except UPS if applicable). It should post to your account within 7-10 business days.”

In response to a Monday inquiry from the Union-Tribune, Nelson’s longtime publicist said the iconic singer-songwriter had either “a bad cold or the flu”, and was planning to recuperate at his home in Texas. Nelson’s three scheduled tour stops for this week—including last night at the McCallum Theater in Palm Desert, CA, Wednesday night at Grahton Resory & Casino in Rohnert Park, CA, Friday and Saturday at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, and Sunday at the Edgewater Hotel Casino in Laughlin, NV—have been canceled. Willie’s next scheduled dates are set for the second weekend in February in the South. For a full list of upcoming dates, and to stay on top of any further  updates, head to Willie’s website.

Nelson’s breathing issues have sidelined him on various occasions in the past. He was forced to cancel a number of tour dates early last year due to an undisclosed illness. His respiratory issues have been well-documented, and many are quick to draw a connection between these health hangups and his even more well-documented affinity for marijuana. Surely, nothing is going to stop Willie Nelson from getting high, but here’s hoping he gives his lungs a break for a couple days (Edibles can always do the trick in a pinch).

Get well soon, Willie!

[h/t – San Diego Union-Tribune]

[Cover photo: Billboard]