The Eight Children Of Willie Nelson: A Complete & Updated Family Tree (2025)

Willie Nelson, the iconic "Red Headed Stranger" of country music, has lived a life as rich and complex as his legendary song catalog, and that complexity extends to his large, blended family. As of December 2025, the 92-year-old patriarch has fathered eight children—five daughters and three sons—with four different women across seven decades of his life.

The lives of the Nelson children span a remarkable range of vocations, from Grammy-winning musicians who perform alongside their father to authors, filmmakers, and dedicated activists. Their stories offer a fascinating, deeply personal look into the legacy of one of America’s most enduring cultural figures, including the tragic loss of a son and the surprise discovery of a daughter decades later.

Willie Nelson's Eight Children: A Detailed Biography List

Willie Nelson has been married four times: to Martha Matthews (1952–1962), Shirley Collie (1963–1971), Connie Koepke (1971–1988), and his current wife, Annie D'Angelo (1991–present).

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Here is a complete list of his children, arranged by birth year, along with their mother and current status:

• Renee Barley (Lynda Renee Barley / Renee Butts)
• Born: January 22, 1953 (~72 years old at time of death)
• Mother: Mary Haney (a friend of Nelson's)
• Status: Deceased (2017). Willie Nelson was unaware he was her father until 2012.
• Lana Nelson Fowler
• Born: 1953 (~72 years old)
• Mother: Martha Matthews (First Wife)
• Status: Filmmaker, roadie, and key part of the Nelson family’s touring operation.
• Susie Nelson
• Born: 1956 (~69 years old)
• Mother: Martha Matthews (First Wife)
• Status: Author and radio host. Wrote the book *Heart Worn Memories: A Daughter's Personal Biography of Willie Nelson* in 1987.
• William "Billy" Hugh Nelson Jr.
• Born: 1958 (Died 1991)
• Mother: Martha Matthews (First Wife)
• Status: Deceased. Billy was a musician who performed with his father. He tragically died by suicide on Christmas Day in 1991 at the age of 33.
• Paula Carlene Nelson
• Born: October 27, 1969 (~56 years old)
• Mother: Connie Koepke (Third Wife)
• Status: Musician and radio host. She fronts the Paula Nelson Band.
• Amy Lee Nelson
• Born: 1973 (~52 years old)
• Mother: Connie Koepke (Third Wife)
• Status: Musician, filmmaker, and activist. She is half of the musical duo Folk Uke and a founder of the activist group Willie's Kids.
• Lukas Autry Nelson
• Born: December 25, 1988 (~36 years old)
• Mother: Annie D'Angelo (Fourth/Current Wife)
• Status: Grammy and BAFTA Award-winning musician and songwriter. He is the frontman for Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real (POTR).
• Jacob Micah Nelson
• Born: 1990 (~35 years old)
• Mother: Annie D'Angelo (Fourth/Current Wife)
• Status: Musician and visual artist. He performs as Particle Kid and is also a member of Promise of the Real (POTR).

The Next Generation of Nelson Musicians: Lukas and Micah's 2025 Projects

The most prominent Nelson children in the spotlight today are the youngest sons, Lukas and Micah, who have successfully carved out their own distinct careers while frequently collaborating with their famous father.

The brothers, born to Willie’s current wife, Annie D'Angelo, were raised primarily in Maui, Hawaii, giving them a unique perspective outside of the traditional country music scene in Austin, Texas.

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Lukas Nelson, in particular, has become a major force in Americana and rock music, earning critical acclaim for his work on the 2018 film *A Star Is Born*, which won him a BAFTA Award and a Grammy Award. In 2025, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real are continuing their extensive touring schedule, including the "The American Romance Tour" dates extending through the fall. His band is known for their high-energy live shows and has also served as Neil Young's backing band.

Micah Nelson, who performs under the moniker Particle Kid, is a multi-talented musician and visual artist whose work is often more experimental than his brother's. In 2025, both Lukas and Micah remain heavily involved in the annual Farm Aid concert, an organization co-founded by their father, which highlights their shared commitment to activism and music.

The Daughters Carrying the Nelson Legacy Beyond Music

While the sons often grab headlines for their musical prowess, Willie Nelson’s five daughters have made significant contributions in various fields, demonstrating that the Nelson creative spirit runs deep.

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Paula Carlene Nelson is a formidable musician in her own right, leading the Paula Nelson Band. She has followed a path similar to her father, hosting her own radio show on SiriusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse channel, ensuring her voice is heard across the country music airwaves.

Amy Lee Nelson has blended music with powerful social advocacy. As one-half of the folk-comedy duo Folk Uke, she uses humor and sharp lyrics to tackle serious subjects. More recently, Amy Lee has leveraged her platform for activism, co-directing and executive producing the film *Willie Nelson Presents: King of the Roadies*, a documentary about her father's legendary road manager, Ben Dorcy. She is also a co-founder of the organization Willie's Kids, which focuses on social justice issues.

Lana Nelson Fowler, the oldest daughter from the marriage to Martha Matthews, has been a constant presence in her father’s life, often traveling with him on the road and working behind the scenes as a roadie. Lana’s deep connection to the touring life led her to co-direct the aforementioned *King of the Roadies* film, celebrating the unsung heroes of the music industry.

Susie Nelson, another daughter from Willie’s first marriage, cemented her place in the family’s narrative by publishing *Heart Worn Memories* in 1987, offering a unique, intimate portrait of her famous father. She has also been involved in non-profit work, serving as an executive director for the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley, showcasing her commitment to community service.

The Tragic Story of Billy Nelson and the Discovery of Renee Barley

The Nelson family history is marked by a profound tragedy: the death of Willie’s son, William "Billy" Hugh Nelson Jr. Billy was a talented musician who often performed with his father, but struggled with personal demons. His death by suicide on Christmas Day in 1991, at the age of 33, was a devastating blow to the entire family and a period of deep darkness for the country legend.

In a surprising turn of events decades later, Willie Nelson learned in 2012 that he had another daughter, Renee Barley (also known as Renee Butts), born in 1953. Renee was the daughter of his friend, Mary Haney, and Willie was unaware of her existence until she was an adult. Although their relationship was discovered late in life, Renee became a recognized part of the Nelson family before her passing in 2017.

The enduring legacy of Willie Nelson is not just his music, but the vast, complex, and talented Nelson family tree he has created. From the grandchildren like Raelyn Nelson, who is also forging a career in music, to the activist work of his daughters and the Grammy-winning success of his sons, the Nelson name remains a vibrant force in American culture.