It's not easy to make key changes in your life. Country music artist Lukas Nelson has made not one major alteration in his life, but a bunch of them. Nelson, who turned 37 on Christmas Day, was fearful of flying, so what did he do? He learned how to fly a plane. That takes real guts.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Per People, the gifted musician and son of beloved country music icon Willie Nelson said, "I had an anxiety [surrounding] flying when I was younger. So a part of me getting my license was to face that fear and overcome it. I think it's just a snowball effect of realizing that I want to do this for a long time."
A couple of years ago, he gave up using weed and drinking. "I faced a lot of my fears, and realized they weren't that scary after all. Now I can be clear with myself and not want to run away from myself, which is great. I get high from making the right decision every time."
Nelson Posted a Lengthy Message on Social Media About His Life, Sobriety, and Conquering His Fear of Flying
Back in April, Nelson wrote at length and in soul-searching detail on Instagram about what he did to improve himself. He was scrupulously honest. He was brave enough to realize what he needed to do, and he did it.
Nelson shared in part, "Four years ago, I was afraid to fly. Every time I got on an airplane, which was a lot, I felt I was rolling the dice and I couldn't rationalize my anxiety down. I smoked...every day. I drank, I didn't exercise, and I was overweight...I knew I had more potential. A key person at the right moment encouraged me to listen to myself, and I was quiet enough to hear, I could not ignore that voice."
He went on, "I needed to make the most of myself. I quit smoking. Quit drinking." He also got into much better physical shape. But there was one more thing Nelson still had on his agenda. That was flying.
Deciding To Learn How To Fly Was Pivotal for Him
Flying was a crucial element for the American Romance album vocalist. In the Instagram post, he explained, "I decided the best way to conquer my fear of flying was to learn how to do it myself. I don't know many pilots who are afraid to fly. And so I went to flight school. I faced my fear." He added, "4 years ago I was afraid to fly, and now I am a Pilot. God Ain't Done."
Nelson Is in the Running for a Grammy
Lukas Nelson's American Romance is nominated for a 2026 Grammy in the Best Traditional Country Album category. His dad, Willie, is also a nominee for Oh What A Beautiful World in that same category.
