Country music star Willie Nelson's net worth at 91 will leave you shocked

Willie Nelson has been making music for more than 70 years and is one of country music's most successful artists. 

In addition to creating hundreds of hits, he's also an actor, poet, guitarist and activist. 

But despite his impressive resume, Willie's net worth is surprisingly humble… for a world-renowned musical legend. 

While Dolly Parton has amassed a fortune of $650 million, and today the likes of Keith Urban is worth a cool $75 million, Willie is just a fraction of both, here's why. 

His net worth

According to celebritynetworth.com, Willie has a net worth of $25 million which is nothing to be sniffed at. 

He became a legend of country music with his distinctive voice and unique song-writing, producing hits such as "Always on My Mind," "On the Road Again," and, "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain."

© Gary Miller

His contributions to music have earned him many awards including several Grammys, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023.

In addition, Willie has starred in more than 30 movies and co-authored a plethora of books.

Financial woes

© Ron Galella, Ltd.

It's not been plain sailing for Willie over the years though and after making a substantial amount of money, he found himself in serious financial difficulty in the 1990s. 

The IRS served him with a tax bill of epic proportions, claiming he owed them $16.7 million in unpaid back taxes.

© Getty Images

 It remains one of the most high-profile tax cases in music history.

Willie also heavily invested in ventures in the 80s but faced significant loss due to mismanagement and economic downturns, so he couldn't use those funds to pay off the debt.

© Mike Pont

How his fans saved him

In order to avoid prison time, Willie handed over nearly all of his possessions and property to the government who would then auction them off. 

But friends and supporters purchased his belongings - and his home - and gave them back to him. 

© Gary Miller

Willie released an album poking fun at his money woes called "The IRS Tapes: Who Will Buy My Memories?" and the profits helped him to get back on his feet. 

The album was released under a strict revenue-sharing agreement with the IRS. By 1993, he had settled his debt. 

In 2006, joked about his IRS issues in a hilarious commercial for H&R Block which aired during the Super Bowl.

Being broke

© Getty Images

Despite his legendary tax troubles, Willie isn't concerned about his money. Years after the debacle, he said: "There are more serious problems in life than financial ones, and I've had a lot of those. I've been broke before, and will be again."

Let's hope not!