Chris Stapleton Joined By Surprise Guest Willie Nelson At Austin City Limits Festival

During Chris Stapleton’s headlining set at the Austin City Limits Festival on Friday night, the country star was joined by music legend Willie Nelson for two memorable duets. Stapleton and Nelson joined together for a take on the country classic, “Whiskey River,” the same number they dueted on during Nelson’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony back in 2023. Nelson finished off his quick cameo with a collaboration on his 70s hit, “Bloody Mary Morning.” Nelson’s ACL Festival appearance comes less than a week prior to his special show this Thursday (October 17) at Austin’s Long Center, a concert marking the 50th anniversary of Willie’s performance on the first-ever episode of Austin City Limits on October 17, 1974. “There would be no Austin City Limits without Willie Nelson – simple as that,” says ACL executive producer Terry Lickona. “He launched ACL into the television universe in 1974, and has helped keep us going for 50 years.” (Rolling Stone)