Willie Nelson's Wives: An Overview Of His Marriages
Noah Mitchell
Updated on February 18, 2026
Willie Nelson has been married four times. His first wife was Martha Matthews, whom he married in 1952. They had three children together before divorcing in 1962. His second wife was Shirley Collie, whom he married in 1963. They had one child together before divorcing in 1970. His third wife was Connie Koepke, whom he married in 1971. They had two sons together and divorced in 1988. His fourth and current wife is Annie D'Angelo, whom he married in 1991.
Willie Nelson is a country music singer-songwriter, guitarist, and actor. He is one of the most successful country music artists of all time, having sold over 40 million albums worldwide. He has also won numerous awards, including 13 Grammy Awards, 9 Country Music Association Awards, and 5 Academy of Country Music Awards.
Nelson's marriages have been a source of much public interest over the years. He has been open about his struggles with addiction and infidelity, and his relationships have often been tumultuous. However, he has also spoken about the importance of love and commitment, and he has remained married to Annie D'Angelo for over 30 years.
Nelson's marriages have been a significant part of his life and career. They have provided him with support and stability, and they have also been a source of inspiration for his music.
Who Were Willie Nelson's Wives?
Willie Nelson has been married four times to three different women. His first marriage was to Martha Matthews from 1952 to 1962, and they had three children together. His second marriage was to Shirley Collie from 1963 to 1970, and they had one child together. His third and longest marriage was to Connie Koepke from 1971 to 1988, and they had two sons together. He married his fourth wife, Annie D'Angelo, in 1991, and they are still married today.
- First wife: Martha Matthews (1952-1962)
- Second wife: Shirley Collie (1963-1970)
- Third wife: Connie Koepke (1971-1988)
- Fourth wife: Annie D'Angelo (1991-present)
Willie Nelson is a country music singer-songwriter, guitarist, and actor. He is one of the most successful country music artists of all time, having sold over 40 million albums worldwide. He has also won numerous awards, including 13 Grammy Awards, 9 Country Music Association Awards, and 5 Academy of Country Music Awards.
Willie's marriages have often been tumultuous, and he has been open about his struggles with addiction and infidelity. However, he has also spoken about the importance of love and commitment, and he has remained married to Annie D'Angelo for over 30 years.
| Name | Years Married | Children |
|---|---|---|
| Martha Matthews | 1952-1962 | 3 |
| Shirley Collie | 1963-1970 | 1 |
| Connie Koepke | 1971-1988 | 2 |
| Annie D'Angelo | 1991-present | 0 |
First wife
Martha Matthews was Willie Nelson's first wife. They were married from 1952 to 1962 and had three children together. Martha was a country music singer and songwriter in her own right, and she often performed with Willie. She also co-wrote some of his most famous songs, including "Crazy" and "Hello Walls."
- Marriage and Family: Martha Matthews was Willie Nelson's first wife, and they had three children together. Their marriage lasted from 1952 to 1962.
- Musical Collaboration: Martha Matthews was also a country music singer and songwriter, and she often performed with Willie. She also co-wrote some of his most famous songs, including "Crazy" and "Hello Walls."
- Influence on Willie's Career: Martha Matthews was a significant influence on Willie Nelson's early career. She helped him to develop his songwriting skills and encouraged him to pursue his music career.
Martha Matthews played an important role in Willie Nelson's life and career. She was his first wife and the mother of his three children. She was also a talented musician and songwriter in her own right, and she helped Willie to develop his songwriting skills. Martha's influence can be heard in many of Willie's most famous songs.
Second wife
Willie Nelson's second wife was Shirley Collie, and they were married from 1963 to 1970. They had one child together, a daughter named Paula.
- Marriage and Family: Shirley Collie was Willie Nelson's second wife, and they were married from 1963 to 1970. They had one child together, a daughter named Paula.
- Musical Collaboration: Shirley Collie was not as involved in Willie's music career as his first wife, Martha Matthews. However, she did sing backing vocals on some of his recordings.
- Personal Struggles: Willie Nelson has admitted that he was not faithful to Shirley during their marriage. He has also said that he was struggling with alcohol abuse at the time.
- Divorce: Willie and Shirley divorced in 1970. Shirley has said that she was unhappy in the marriage and that Willie's infidelity was a major factor in their divorce.
Willie Nelson's marriage to Shirley Collie was a tumultuous one. He was struggling with alcohol abuse and infidelity, and Shirley was unhappy in the marriage. Their divorce in 1970 was a difficult time for both of them.
Third wife
Willie Nelson's third wife was Connie Koepke, and they were married from 1971 to 1988. They had two sons together, Lukas and Jacob.
- Marriage and Family: Connie Koepke was Willie Nelson's third wife, and they were married from 1971 to 1988. They had two sons together, Lukas and Jacob.
- Musical Collaboration: Connie Koepke was not as involved in Willie's music career as his first two wives, Martha Matthews and Shirley Collie. However, she did sing backing vocals on some of his recordings, and she also co-wrote a few songs with him.
- Willie's Addiction and Infidelity: Willie Nelson has admitted that he struggled with alcohol and drug abuse during his marriage to Connie. He has also said that he was unfaithful to her.
- Divorce: Willie and Connie divorced in 1988. Connie has said that she was unhappy in the marriage and that Willie's addiction and infidelity were major factors in their divorce.
Willie Nelson's marriage to Connie Koepke was a difficult one. He was struggling with addiction and infidelity, and Connie was unhappy in the marriage. Their divorce in 1988 was a difficult time for both of them.
Fourth wife
Willie Nelson's fourth wife, Annie D'Angelo, has been a constant in his life and career since they married in 1991. Their relationship has been a source of stability and support for Nelson, who has struggled with addiction and other personal issues throughout his life.
- A Lasting Marriage: Nelson and D'Angelo have been married for over 30 years, making their union the longest of his four marriages. This longevity is a testament to the strength of their relationship and their commitment to each other.
- A Source of Stability: D'Angelo has been a source of stability for Nelson, particularly during his struggles with addiction. She has helped him to stay sober and has been a constant source of support.
- A Musical Collaborator: D'Angelo has also been involved in Nelson's music career. She has sung backing vocals on some of his recordings and has also co-written a few songs with him.
- A Positive Influence: D'Angelo has had a positive influence on Nelson's life and career. She has helped him to become a more stable and focused person, and she has also been a source of inspiration for his music.
Annie D'Angelo is an important part of Willie Nelson's life and career. She has been a source of stability and support for him, and she has also been a positive influence on his music. Their relationship is a testament to the power of love and commitment.
FAQs about Willie Nelson's Wives
This section provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Willie Nelson's wives.
Question 1: How many times has Willie Nelson been married?
Willie Nelson has been married four times.
Question 2: Who was Willie Nelson's first wife?
Willie Nelson's first wife was Martha Matthews. They were married from 1952 to 1962 and had three children together.
Question 3: Who is Willie Nelson's current wife?
Willie Nelson's current wife is Annie D'Angelo. They have been married since 1991.
Question 4: How many children does Willie Nelson have?
Willie Nelson has seven children. Three with his first wife, Martha Matthews, one with his second wife, Shirley Collie, and two with his third wife, Connie Koepke.
Question 5: Which of Willie Nelson's wives was also a singer-songwriter?
Willie Nelson's first wife, Martha Matthews, was also a singer-songwriter. She co-wrote some of his most famous songs, including "Crazy" and "Hello Walls."
Question 6: Which of Willie Nelson's wives has been married to him the longest?
Willie Nelson has been married to his fourth wife, Annie D'Angelo, the longest. They have been married since 1991.
Summary: Willie Nelson has been married four times and has seven children. His current wife, Annie D'Angelo, has been a source of stability and support for him throughout their marriage.
Next Article Section: Willie Nelson's Music and Legacy
Conclusion
Willie Nelson's four marriages have been a significant part of his life and career. His wives have provided him with support, stability, and inspiration. They have also been involved in his music career, both as collaborators and as muses.
Nelson's marriages have not always been easy, but they have endured through thick and thin. He has learned from his mistakes and has grown as a person and as an artist. He is now happily married to his fourth wife, Annie D'Angelo, and they have been together for over 30 years.
Willie Nelson is a true American icon. His music has touched the lives of millions of people around the world. His marriages are a testament to the power of love and commitment.
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