Shirley Collie helped launch Willie Nelson’s solo career back before the name “Willie Nelson” meant anything to anyone. As a guitarist and singer who climbed to the top tier of the country music circuit as just a teenager, she traded her trajectory as a recording artist and staple of the silver screen for a life with the duet partner of her dreams. But it wasn’t long before her life with Willie fell out of harmony…and fell into a twister of stagnation, loneliness, and jealousy. 

Scrapbooks In My Mind: Featuring Shirley and Willie Nelson and Many Others by Shirley Caddell Collie Nelson

Me and Sister Bobbie: True Tales of the Family Band by Willie Nelson and Bobbie Nelson

Willie Nelson: An Epic Life by Joe Nick Patoski

Shirley Nelson Obituary (Springfield Union Leader)

Shirley Collie Nelson. Former Wife and Duet Partner of Willie Nelson, Dies (CMT)

Wikipedia: Shirley Collie Nelson

Country Music Hall of Fame: Willie Nelson 

Interview: Willie Nelson (The Telegraph)

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