Bobbie Nelson, Willie Nelson’s Sister And Bandmate, Dead At 91

Bobbie Nelson, who was the first member of the Willie Nelson and Family Band, has died at the age of 91.

Bobbie, who was a singer and pianist, was part of the band for more than 50 years touring and recording with her younger brother Willie Nelson.

Bobbie was born on New Year’s Day in 1931 in Abbott, Texas, and breathed her last on Thursday surrounded by family, the Nelson family said in a statement.

“Her elegance, grace, beauty and talent made this world a better place. She was the first member of Willie’s band, as his pianist and singer. Our hearts are broken and she will be deeply missed. But we are so lucky to have had her in our lives,” the statement added.

Bobbie has featured on many of Willie’s studio albums, including Shotgun Willie, Red Headed Stranger and The Willie Nelson Family.

They collaborated on two books – the memoir, “Me and Sister Bobbie: True Tales of The Family Band” and the children’s book “Sister, Brother, Family: An American Childhood in Music.”