“I Loved Every Minute Of It” - Willie Nelson on His 90th Birthday Party Special

Stephen pops out onto 53rd Street and joins Willie Nelson on his fabled tour bus for an intimate conversation about his life in music, including Willie’s incredible 90th birthday party which was captured for a special that will air on December 17th at 8:30/7:30c on CBS!
#Colbert #WillieNelson #EnergyFollowsThought #Books
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Stephen Colbert brings his signature satire and comedy to THE LATE SHOW with STEPHEN COLBERT, the #1 show in late night, where he talks with an eclectic mix of guests about what is new and relevant in the worlds of politics, entertainment, business, music, technology and more. Featuring bandleader Louis Cato and “THE LATE SHOW band,” the Peabody Award-winning and Emmy Award-nominated show is broadcast from the historic Ed Sullivan Theater. Stephen Colbert took over as host, executive producer and writer of THE LATE SHOW on Sept. 8, 2015.

[@BradTheProducer]

Utterly destroying the myth that either old age or weed are guaranteed to slow you down.

[@sjhochbaum1]

I couldn’t agree more!❤

[@landonfolken03]

One could even say that maybe the weed has helped him keep up at 90. Not being crippled by any pains, etc.

[@michaelconnor6282]

Willy is one of my top five, both as an entertainer, and as a genuine & unique human being

[@dawnywarthog6642]

As a stoner myself since the 80's, I couldn't agree more.

[@MCinator]

He never moved fast, can't slow down! Love his music, genuinely nice guy

[@ritacerniglia9988]

Willie is a national treasure. He deserves to be in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.

[@redbarchetta8782]

X 1000

[@BP-1988]

Is there any doubt?

[@jasondauenbaugh9060]

An American icon for sure!!

[@hojo70]

Understatement of the year

[@charleslitherbury8600]

President

[@violimo]

We need to revere our elders. They may all not be Willie but they have stories of life to tell.

[@WetbackNoSetback]

Not all, theres a man who is 71 years old named Steve Valdez, mr Valdez is a repeat offender caught his firsy DWI in 1992, since then he caused thousands of dollars of damage & injury to the public, i am one of them, i sued him 3 times, he became more childish the more court time he had, & finally he assaulted my lawyer’s assistant , a 71 year old man assaulted a 25 yr old woman because he was mad we were forcing him to pay for damages, that old man deserves no respect & when im done with him all his social security checks will be mine & he will be living in a homeless shelter

[@ramonmoreno8014]

not really

[@edwardizhonig204]

@ramonmoreno8014 Guess what one day if you’re lucky enough you too will be an elder. Guess no one should listen to you. Hmm.

[@Dudeman9339]

Revering our elders at all costs is how we’re in the political mess we’re in. Lets listen to good wisdom, regardless of its source.

[@IrishKack]

@@Dudeman9339Remember those words when you’re old.

[@kele1264]

It's about darn time Willie Nelson is inducted into the R&R Hall of Fame. HAPPY BIRTHDAY WILLIE!!!! Thank you for all of your contributions to music and to American life!!! Thanks Stephen Colbert for this interview!

[@timothystephenson2498]

I love that photo of your cat. I had one just like it for years. But she is no longer around. Nice to see one similar. 6:21am, 11/03/2023

[@kele1264]

@@timothystephenson2498 Thank you very much! She's my sweet, gentle Luna. I just lost Fireball, my big boy cat, on Halloween (he was deteriorating from stroke). Very nice to hear from a fellow cat lover!

[@janusconner3710]

IKR?

[@veramae4098]

So cool Stephen had to go to him. Like King Francis 1 of France going to Leonardo da Vinci Kings don't do that. But, well, this was daVinci!

[@saralynn518]

He's the same now as he was when he was 50. Incredible guy and musician!

[@susantaylor9923]

Thank you life for Willie Nelson and Stephen Colbert for honoring him. Such an unusual sound and emotion when he sings to us. Aren't we lucky.

[@Chimmbeez]

Willie is more coherrent than a lot of people who are likely half his age... I hope you see many more years good sir!

[@rhondah1587]

Lots of people who grow older never lose their marbles. In fact, most are sharp all the way to the end.

[@Typical.Anomaly]

He's a 90yo pot smoker, and sharper than many of the sober 20-somethings I'm forced to work with.

[@williamdecker3989]

@@Typical.Anomaly Unfortunately, Willie had to stop smoking flower, due to lung problems, but he hits the gummies now! He must have to take 1000mgs to even feel a buzz!

[@Marika50]

​@@Typical.Anomalyhonestly he is more coherent than some managers I've had... I worked for a guy once who didn't understand the simple concept of if I work 12 hour shift on my own with no scheduled breaks I will use the bathroom on company time.

[@fleurybreedin3682]

I think the best Willie Nelson’s best song is Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground. I just love it. Gives me chills whenever I listen to it!

[@davee7962]

❤ Willie. 90 more years please!

[@naoise555]

We were all expecting a big cloud of smoke to puff out when Steven opened that door.

[@dianajones7999]

Lo! !

[@cherylcarlson3315]

I am so glad to see the interview of an treasured elder on the bus. Thank you for keeping him safe.

[@ramonmoreno8014]

lol colbert needs willie for protection

[@philipoconnell6413]

Why the heck isn’t he in the hall of fame already.

[@helenpatterson3858]

At least they got around to it while he's still alive.

[@scottwebster695]

He outlived their ignorance.

[@cherylwilkinson3228]

He's already in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

[@Mclem2k24]

Willie holds the honor of being the only person who can outsmoke Snoop Dogg Respect

[@canadianperspective3731]

👍😂🍁

[@krisfrederick5001]

Based on a true blunt! 💨

[@janusconner3710]

Statistically, having been a smoker since before Calvin Broadus's PARENTS were EVEN BORN (which alone is just fucking crazy) Willie had Snoop Doggy Dog outsmoked AT BIRTH. lmfao

[@cosmicraysshotsintothelight]

I'd be lucky if I could take two hits on the stuff they smoke. I can't figure out why the entire world does not grow good weed like that and like what I had in the '70s and since, but not lately. Why is there so much drab weed out there? Greedy bat's turds selling for profit. We have to get the karma back. Willie and those guys never lost it.

[@JBBost]

@@krisfrederick5001 the best wraps, I miss the krypto flavor

[@somosgenel]

God bless and keep Willie Nelson. He is a national treasure. Happy 90th birthday Willie.

[@kamrongrant]

International treasure also XD

[@tjhill4044]

Seems Willie really loves his life😊. Well done Willie!

[@louisbowles726]

I got to see him for his 90th birthday concert it was fantastic(Long Live Willie!!)

[@storytime118]

Keep rockin Willie. We all need you more then ever.

[@gh5208]

Rockin on at 90, very alert with a full life. Age is just a number.

[@ramonmoreno8014]

and that number is high as willie

[@corinne_vintage]

Absolute living legend. We are SO LUCKY this man has made music for his entire life.

[@Derfboy]

We love you, Willie!

[@nathantaylor-gk5qm]

Willie Nelson's reputation with his fellow musicians and friends through the years was a great honor. He was likeable to the other side, ya know.

[@cjcurtis8944]

Keep him in bubble wrap! I’ve been heartbroken by a few famous musicians’ passing, but will absolutely be gutted when Willie goes. Choked up thinking about it now.

[@davidgriego278]

Willie is a Legend! 2500 hundred Songs, he has written! Dispite his Rebel image, He is a Genuis, and He is part of the American Dream! I hope ten years from now We will still have him with us to Celebrate 100 years! Go WILLIE GO!!

[@Xaniker]

It's awesome Stephen accommodates Willie Nelson by going to his bus.

[@tzadik.]

Cant say the weed dulls you with how sharp this guy is.

[@Marika50]

I passed full semester of 400 level classes and worked 40+ hour work week and drove average of 15+ hours a week for school and work purposes while smoking weed every time I got home. The only thing weed dulled was crippling anxiety and chronic pain.

[@User-rka_zykx76]

⁠@@Marika50🧢

[@Marika50]

@User_6285 aww look at you trying to accuse someone of lying without using any words. Check yourself before you break yourself. It was between weed or clonopin for me. I'm prescribed clonopin for panic disorder but it makes me feel like shit and does not let me sleep, but weed helps sleeping issues and gets rid of nausea I have almost on daily bases at night.

[@lazyperfectionist1]

90 years old, and still doin' tours. My hat's off to _you,_ sir.

[@freneticaesthetica]

Willie is truly the epitome of what it means to be a cool guy.

[@pattivermeersch7348]

Such a great interview of an icon in music

[@geegaw1535]

My brother loved willie nelson. That's how i learned to love willie. I wasn't a fan at first but he wouldn't change the cassette. Yeah, it's been a long time. Thanks for the memories.

[@tenaciouswillow]

He is phenomenal in concert. It's astounding how many songs he sings you know, that you didn't realize you know. Absolute original in every way. ❤🎉

[@recole374]

Happy birthday Willie ❤❤❤

[@notbraindead7298]

When I think of the many duets Willie has sung with many of the most notable singers out there, I am so impressed. Willie has sung songs of every genre out there. I can’t help but be amazed at what he has accomplished and at how he is loved by generations of fans.

[@S8NSAYS]

Two national treasures.

[@vpLoveCrafts]

I love watching Stephen gush over his idols. He's positively adorable and not too bad a crooner himself 🥰. Happy Birthday Willy! ❤🎉🎂

[@JayPooler]

All my hero s are cowboys..Thanks Willy Happy 90th Bday

[@Banquet42]

Legend.

[@janetbeebe6578]

Finally, Willie in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. Happy Birthday, incredible at 90 years young.❤

[@calebclunie4001]

We are, still, living in the Age Of Willie.

[@rebelmurphy664]

Stephen Colbert's medley of Willie's songs was great at the 5:20 mark..happy bday Willie 🎉

[@ellengrace4609]

5:05 is where it starts

[@gerilimehouse5635]

amazing how he stayed exactly in tune when going from one song to another so fast.

[@VanPelt79]

Anything Stephen does is trash

[@ellengrace4609]

@@VanPelt79 👈 Hey everyone, I found the troll! 😂 Should we feed it or starve it of attention???

[@VanPelt79]

​@@ellengrace4609far from a troll

[@JasonBlack66]

Willy Nelson - A national Treasure - A Global treasure.

[@gaillouise8310]

Two awesome Taurus's showing their kindness!!!

[@veggigoddess]

How could someone like him not have already been in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at least for the last 3 decades??

[@jamesfrancese6091]

I had the same question!

[@stelladonaconfredobutler9459]

Because he was country not rock and roll and they were very restrictive at that time. Only within the past 15 years they have honored all music

[@sevenirises]

Happy Birthday Willie!....and many more....

[@ginapadula8039]

Stephen & Willie thanks for surprising the fans with two nights of music. So nice & cool to hear Willie share his happy memories and new book. You both bring happiness to everyone. 🎸🎂🎸

[@lindapindabelinda3570]

Willie Nelson is the reason I still have my long hippie hair from the 70s. Never would’ve tolerated the desert heat without his inspiration for braids. The bandana gets worn like a headband here.

[@TooLooze]

I cut my hippie hair when I was drafted into the Army and re-grew it when I was 70. it makes me feel like me.

[@askew9976]

Ordering that bandana asap! I wanted to BE Willie as a 4 yo kid. Still love him. I listen to him and some of his pals from his heyday with my 83 yo client every day! Love Willie and 💨 Congrats on the induction. Well deserved! 🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤

[@boutiquebabe]

Omg I'm a fan. I saw his son Lukas perform in September and when he sang you could hear his dad. I thought to myself this will be the closest i ever get to Willie❤

[@commonsense320]

The absolute best concert I have been to or even heard of was We Fest in Central Minnesota sometime in the 90s. My husband and I were there, it began to rain as Willie was to take the stage. In about 20 min. It was pouring down rain. He was the last set of the night, and we thought he would end early. Nope, he kept playing, people leaving the grounds in droves, he kept playing. Soon only about 40 of us left in the pouring rain, dancing, listening to him sing. When the sound blew out he finished the song then said, well he guessed that was it for the night. He had played through his scheduled time and more. We had such a wonderful night! I know for him it was one concert in hundreds, for us it is a cherished memory 💖 Thank you for having him as a guest, it was so great to see him!

[@maryjohnson2544]

Come another 20 years, Willie and Keith Richards will still be cranking along making great music with Cher singing back up 😂

[@the_glitter_is]

Buddy is one of the greatest songs ever written. And he's ninety?! I need to start smoking weed.

[@fanaticforager6610]

🎼✨Star Dust 🎶 is also a Timeless Classic 💯% 🙏🏼🥲 Cheers 🍻 Mr. 🦋.Nelson, for your Humanitarian Service 🎙️ ✨🌎🖖🏽💫 7:51

[@kathleenmartin7498]

Willie is definitely a living legend!! He's made so many singers famous with writing for them.

[@kathleenmartin7498]

@JohnMoris-wb4vc do I know you?

[@robert_nyc]

I flew in from Nashville for this show- not knowing Willie was guest! He sang “Whiskey River” I was thrilled!

[@yetison1163]

WILLIE NELSON, A MIRACLE OF MUSIC.

[@terryatpi]

My dad was a great man. Born 4 22 33. Must have been a great week.

[@nathantaylor-gk5qm]

Willie Nelson is an American Icon. Songwriter. Guitarist. Singer. Author. Actor. The life of a real American man who succeeded highly but did it rather humbly through a life long love affair with music and his modest but sincere relationships with his fans and through the process. Farmaid was a great recognition to America that he was paying attention. Just a Legendary American.

[@jaxn1221]

I love Willie; a lovely, genuine person that is an amazing songwriter....what's not to love :)

[@Willeneilson]

Thanks.... where are you chatting from

[@jameswrate4838]

Love that man!

[@drew8305]

My mother is passed 3 years now. She was a consummate Willie Nelson fan. Thank you Willie for being so great.

[@Goatchild90]

Willie Nelson is a legend

[@comedianmattrossey]

90 years, Damn Willie, you still have nothing but youth in your eyes. And still touring!? Good on you Willie!!!! I gave up touring in 2004.

[@SilentKnight43]

My fave Willie tune is his duet with Toby Keith on Beer For My Horses. And of course his immortal segment on The Highwayman along with Kris, Waylon and Johnny.

[@sean78745]

This is the first time I've heard Willie without his signature voice, I feel like it has alot to do with his touring so it might be out right now but I'm afraid hes hitting that age that we don't wanna acknowledge. Willie, as an Austin native born and raised THANK YOU for everything!

[@lisamcbarron6047]

I've never been a huge Willie Nelson fan...what I do have is a HUGE amount of respect for him and what he's accomplished his whole life. Stephen's interview of Willie shows that RESPECT from beginning to end....great interview. Congrats to Willie for being inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: IT'S ABOUT DANG TIME!!!!!

[@randefriedman7307]

listen to his "Duets" album, there may be a few songs with favorite artists.

[@nancysmith8626]

@@randefriedman7307, how about "To All the Girls I've Loved Before" with Julio Iglesias? Who would have ever thought that duet would work so well, but it was fabulous!

[@Jan-zv7ze]

Happy Birthday Willie! We saw you in Kansas City last summer and you and your band were simply AWESOME! Won't forget it.

[@spritals]

I’ve loved Willie since I was about 4 listening to him on the AM radio in the morning getting ready for the day. That was a lot of days ago, I just turned 60! To add to the collection of folks favourites, mine is Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground. Went through a severe drug addiction and my dad would play it for me while I was going through withdrawal. It gave me strength and I knew my dad was there beside me to help set me free on the other side. That was 40 years ago, and it still makes me cry the amount of love in that one song. Thank you Willie, you deserve every music recognition out there, you are truly a National Treasure!!!

[@stayprogressive6775]

Good music is a Superpower!! Glad you overcame your addiction, that's wonderful for sure... With a little help from your Dad & Willie's music!

[@cindyd2963]

I saw Willie twice. Once when I was 8 years old and once when I was 40 years old. That's crazy.

[@merlapittman5034]

I can't believe it took so long to get him into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! He should have been inducted decades ago. I absolutely love Willie - always have, always will!

[@bt.c.1829]

To celebrate my 68th birthday I bought his brand new Greatest Hits cd! OMG! What a fantastic trip through his career! Thank you 🎵Willie🎵🎸🎤🎉🎊🎂

[@twoblacklabs904]

He’s a GREAT man and singularly, Country Music’s most prolific songwriter. Thank you, Willie. You’re a God-send…

[@thandie67]

I have been to his concert - fantastic.

[@drantilla]

Sending deep respectful love to Mr. Willie Nelson 🙏💖

[@rock-n-rollfoodie]

Simply a treasure Vote blue America 🧢

[@bretEdwards]

Willie, live long and prosper. Thanks for all joy you've brought forth with your music, humor and larger-than-life persona! Congrat's and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

[@mottwoman6775]

This made me so happy. What a legend.❤

[@Gary-uy9mr]

Willie is a nationsl treasure.

[@lamars2486]

Colbert, can sing, no kidding, his duet with Prine I replay often.

[@mullen25]

what a great interview! man's a legend yet so humble.

[@m.anneblack2908]

Bless your sweet heart, Willie. What would we do without your songs to hum and listen too on a peaceful night ❤❤❤

[@nathantaylor-gk5qm]

I've been a fan of Willie Nelson since I can remember. I read everything I could about him and his life and his history. That ability to use technology to see more of his early performances only enhanced the experience of being at a live Willie Nelson show. The longevity of this career is purely grassroots. I saw Willie twice in the 00s and they were the most pure experiences I have ever had at a show. The people still want Willie! It ain't the other way around! Americans are Willie Nelson. What great shows! And the best fan base! It includes everyone!

[@moxnix1026]

Happy Birthday Willie! Thank you for many years of your musical genius. It's so good to see you still jamming. Rock on, brother! I played his guitar one time! It was one of them anyway. My friend ran a benefit for MD by auctioning signed guitars by many popular musical artists. He kept a nylon string acoustic guitar of his friend, Willie, for when he'd "stop by". It was in a climate controlled closet in a tweed case. I was honored when he asked me if I wanted to play it. He had alot of pictures of Willie playing that guitar. The walls of the house were covered with autographed pictures and guitars from many musical celebrities.

[@johnnyfreedom3437]

Willie has been an idol of mine for over 50 years! Matter of fact I look up at one of his old concert posters now! We both struggled with alcohol, and I love his music and so does he! But as I travel a lot monster work, On the Road" became my mantra! Happy birthday Willie!!

[@diananunez7]

Can you love two people more?! ❤❤

[@rustypeterson5920]

I'm definitely going to share this with a couple of my old friends we're in our seventies you know ? Congratulations Willie. You deserved this recognition a long time ago.😉

[@jasonflay8818]

I had the pleasure of seeing this man at my first ever music festival, with my now wife, after being gone for four months. It was great. To show what a true class act this man is, despite his overlap with Old Crow Medicine show on another stage, he just free played until they ended, and the crowd had time to join his part of the festival before actually starting his show.

[@marvinmartin4692]

This was just awesome!! Love Willie!!!

[@guleri]

Looking forward to the book comming out. I've loved listening to Willie as long as I can remember and has seen him live in Norway on a lot of occations. You never go home dissapointed from a Willie Nelson concert.

[@Rockingruvin]

Willie is such a treasure! His duet with his son covering Vedder's 'Breathe' brings me to tears every time... and I'm a punk rock guy. So beautiful and touching.

[@wendykennedy5371]

What a man. Love Willie and blown away thinking about him writing around 2500 songs. Want his book and Album. Classic guy and one of a kind. God Bless Him.

[@joenisnapje712]

Incredible how people like Willie, The Stones and many others just keep going. Fantastic 👍🏻 Still amazed at Dolly, Madonna and the girls too. Awesome to watch Grace sing and do the hula hoop too 💯💋 Stay active as rest rusts people. Bless you Willie 👍🏻 keep rocking 😃

[@hecatearadia1959]

Happy birthday. Thank you for all the good music. And thank you for all the community work you always engage in. Always making the world better.

[@dianewilliams1125]

On the road again!😊😊😊 America's Treasure! God bless this man! ❤❤❤

[@fdoe9184]

That Greatest Hits album looks like a single album. While I may not be a huge Nelson fan, I do know, you cannot fit his "Greatest Hits" onto less than 2 or 3 albums.

[@ericminch]

So if we put on our thinking caps we might surmise there will be a "Greatest Hits Part II", "Greatest Hits Part III", etc., so long as he still needs money.

[@fdoe9184]

@@ericminch even after his tax problems, he has millions. At 90 years old, how much more money does he need? Right now, I think his biggest expenses are registering that bus and getting a few weeks worth of weed.

[@jgw5491]

@@ericminch ...grocery money. Gotta feed those munchies!

[@unclejs]

Willie is still killing it and one of my all time favorite artists of all time, I could rock Mona Lisa on replay all day.

[@moondancejackson5081]

A true American treasure.

[@Dr_1212]

I was locked up in jail with Willie Nelson 😎👍

[@barbaraperry5023]

😮

[@wash711]

An American legend.

[@dorothywinslet428]

Love you Wille! If I could have a jam session with any living musician legend, I’d pick you man. You seem like so much fun.

[@MaryJaneHancock]

Willie rocks ❤

[@amyw6922]

Willie Nelson, Forever in my heart and soul

[@pamelawright8512]

Wow! What a wonderful life Willie has created! What an inspiration! ❤❤❤

[@optickle5199]

Amazing and inspiring guests!!! Happy Birthday! Happy Anniversary!