Willie Nelson 'Cleared' For 4th Of July Picnic In Camden After Illness

CAMDEN, NJ — Willie Nelson can't wait to get on the road again.

Nelson, 91, has been "cleared" to resume performing after facing an undisclosed illness. That means he's expected at his namesake 4th of July Picnic in Camden.

For the first time, the outlaw country legend is bringing his Fourth of July music festival to the region. The lineup will include Bob Dylan, former Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant and other major musicians.

Nelson missed the first week of the 2024 Outlaw Music Festival Tour because of health matters. The tour began last month.

"We regret to inform you that Willie Nelson is not feeling well and, per doctor's orders, has been advised to rest for the next four days," said a June 21 announcement on his Instagram page. "He is expected to make a quick recovery and join the Outlaw Music Festival Tour next week."

Nelson was out a bit longer than originally expected, missing all shows through last weekend. But he's set to perform at this week's tour stops, including the 4th of July Picnic at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion.

Other artists on the tour still performed in the shows that Nelson missed.

Nelson has held the annual Picnic since 1973, with most taking place in Texas. The upcoming picnic will mark Nelson's first in the Philadelphia area, bringing the Independence Day celebration to the nation's birthplace.

"I am thrilled to bring the 4th of July Picnic to Philadelphia for the first time in our storied history," Nelson said in a statement when the festival location was announced. "It's an honor to host such an extraordinary lineup of talent in the birthplace of our country. We can't wait to celebrate Independence Day with you."

The following artists will join Nelson:

• Bob Dylan
• Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
• Maren Morris
• Mavis Staples
• Celisse

The concert starts at 2:30 p.m. July 4. Click here for tickets.