Parents say Willie Nelson was instrumental in saving their daughter's life

Willie Nelson has long enjoyed the distinction of a music legend, but recently two grateful parents added lifesaver to his list of accomplishments.

After being born prematurely, Ava Adams, who is now 4, underwent a dozen surgeries in the first 15 months of her life.

Though the girl was certainly struggling, the one thing that soothed her stress and made her stats improve was country music.

Her parents, Brittany and Jamison, noticed that the girl was particularly responsive while listening to the tunes of Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Ray Price.

As Ava grew older and stronger, her preference for Nelson grew.

Now the two things she always carries with her are a Willie Nelson doll and a backpack with her feeding tube in it.

Brittany sent her thanks to Nelson via an interview with KFDA of Amarillo, Texas.

She said, "You have no clue how many times you've actually saved our daughter's life...it was such a long road, but actually just playing that music for her really, really did change and save her life."

See photos of Nelson's 5th degree black belt ceremony: