Willie Nelson’s sister and longtime pianist Bobbie Nelson dies at 91

Bobbie Nelson, the older sister and longtime pianist of country music superstar Willie Nelson, died “peacefully” Thursday morning at age 91, according to her family.

Nelson was a pianist and singer who toured with her younger brother for more than 50 years.

“Her elegance, grace, beauty and talent made this world a better place,” the Nelson family said in a statement. “She was the first member of Willie’s band, as his pianist and singer.”

Raised in Abbot, Texas, Nelson was inspired by her grandparents to pursue a career in music.

“My grandfather had said to me when I was learning to play the piano: You know, if you really work at this, you could earn your living playing music one day,” she once said, according to Billboard. “And I never forgot that.”

She briefly gave up music to attend college after her husband, Bud Fletcher, died.

She then went on to collaborate with her brother, eventually joining his touring band, Family, for more than five decades.

According to the Austin American-Statesman, she performed with them until late last year, after the “Family Bible” singer began touring following a pandemic hiatus.

Their last performance together was in New Braunfels, Texas on Oct. 9.

No cause of death was given, but Nelson had been recently hospitalized with an undisclosed illness.

She died “surrounded by family,” according to a statement.

“Our hearts are broken and she will be deeply missed. But we are so lucky to have had her in our lives,” the family said. “Please keep her family in your thoughts and give them the privacy they need at this time.”