Willie Nelson Hospitalized After 'Breathing Problems' in Colorado

'High altitude and emphysema' blamed as singer cancels show

August 20, 2012 10:40 AM ET

Willie Nelson

Paul A. Hebert/WireImage

Willie Nelson was reportedly hospitalized before a Colorado gig on August 18th, according to Denver's NBC 9 News. Nelson, 79, was set to play the Lulu's Barkin BBQ fundraiser for the Denver Dumb Friends in Castle Pines Village, but as his band and back-up singers rolled into the venue, Nelson was a no-show. Attendees were told Nelson was taken to a nearby hospital after "suffering from breathing problems due to the high altitude and emphysema."

Nelson's publicist told Rolling Stone that "high altitude sickness" affected the singer, who's "better now." No other dates have been affected.

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Willie Nelson Hospitalized After 'Breathing Problems' in Colorado