The Docuseries: Willie Nelson & Family
Paramount+ created and aired a four-episode miniseries entitled “Willie Nelson & Family,” all about the beloved country singer and his large and complicated family.
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Willie, who is now 90 years old, was extremely candid and honest throughout the series, explaining to his fans exactly what his life was like behind the scenes.
Willie Nelson’s Wives
It’s important to understand that Willie Nelson has been married four times. First to Martha Matthews from 1952 to 1962, then to Shirley Collie Nelson from 1963 to 1971, next to Connie Koepke from 1971 to 1988, and finally, he is still married to Annie D’Angelo, whom he wed in 1991.
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Willie told the camera crew that his second wife, Shirley Collie, whom he met through music while he was married to his first wife, found out about his lover via a hospital bill.
What Really Happened
Connie had written her name at the hospital as Connie Nelson, so when the hospital bill arrived, Shirley, of course, wanted to know who she was.
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Willie’s eldest daughter Laura from his first marriage said that her stepmother Shirley “had no idea there was a Connie” or a baby “until she got the hospital bill” (via US Weekly).
Connie and Willie Had Been Together for Years
Willie had to come clean that Connie was not only the mother of his newborn child but also Willie said, “Connie had been my girlfriend for several years before becoming pregnant.”
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While there may have been other factors involved, the marriage between Shirley Collie and Willie ended shortly after she opened that hospital bill.
Willie Married the Mysterious Connie Koepke
Within months of his divorce, Willie then married his longtime girlfriend and mother of his new daughter, Paula, Connie Koepke.
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The two had another daughter together, Amy Nelson, and were married for 17 years. However, Willie explained that while he was married to Connie, he met someone else who would eventually become his fourth wife.
Meeting Annie D’Angelo
In 1986, Willie met Annie D’Angelo on the set of the film “Stagecoach”; the two had a secret relationship for two years until Willie decided to once again, opt for divorce so that he would be with his new girlfriend.
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Just three years after his third divorce, in 1991, Willi, then 67, married Annie D’Angelo. And to many people’s surprise, the two are still married today, almost 33 years later.
How Wille Feels About His Four Marriages
In the docuseries, Willie explained his take on his many marriages. He said, “I’ve always said there’s no such thing as a former wife. Once in your life, a wife never leaves.”
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He continued: “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.”
Eight Children Came Out of Willie’s Complicated Love Life
Throughout his many marriages and one friendship, Willie became the father of eight children.
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From his first marriage to Martha, Lana, 70, Susie, 67, and Billy Jr., who died at 33; Paula, 54, and Amy, 50, from his marriage to Connie; and sons Lukas, 34, and Jacob, 33, with Annie. In addition, Willie also had a daughter, Renee, with his friend Mary Haney, whom he didn’t know about for years.
Willie Has a Close Relationship with His Children
While Willie was certainly not always a fantastic husband, he is known by his children to be a wonderful father.
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Many of them have inherited his love of music and not only have their own careers but also sing alongside their dad at many of his shows.
Marrying Annie Was the 'Smartest Thing' Willie Ever Did
Willie told the film crew that he “had a gift for complicating things” and certainly had some regrets when it came to his romantic relationships.
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However, he said that he has none when it comes to Annie. In fact, he said, “Marrying Annie wasn’t complicated at all. It’s about the smartest thing I ever did.”
Willie Nelson and His Big Family
Although many would say that Willie Nelson didn’t create a traditional family, there’s no doubt that he now has a big and beautiful one.
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His final marriage to Annie D’Angelo has passed the test of time, and his love for his many children is one of the greatest joys in the musician’s long life.