Willie Nelson, 90, is scared to retire as he thinks he'll die if he quits performing

Country singer Willie Nelson is 'scared' he'll 'die if he's not performing,' a source claims.

Nelson may've turned 90 years old in April - and be way past the age most people decide to exit their jobs, start watching more daytime TV with a cheeky drink once it's gone 4:00pm and live an overall quieter life - but the musician isn't planning on putting his guitar and mic down anytime soon.

And a source allegedly close to him has told the National Enquirer the 'main reason' why.

Getty Images/ Jim Bennett/ WireImage

On his 90th birthday, Nelson performed at the Hollywood Bowl as part of two star-studded concerts titled Long Story Short: Willie Nelson 90 which took place across 29 and 30 April.

In an interview with AARP, he reflected on turning 90-years-old and the age as being 'just a number'.

He said: "Norman Lear, a good friend of mine, turned 100 not long ago, and I told him, 'I’ve been telling everybody it’s just a number. Am I right?' And he said, 'Yeah'."

Nelson noted working is 'really good' for him, 'no matter what kind of show it is' and that performing at the Hollywood Bowl singing alongside some 'good friends' would be 'a lot of fun'.

But according to a source, there's another reason Nelson doesn't want to retire soon.

Getty Images/ Rick Kern/ WireImage for Shock Ink

A source told the National Enquirer that despite still taking to the stage, Nelson is 'frail, can't stand straight and must perform sitting down' now.

"And he even breathes with difficulty," they added.

However, while the country performer's body may be beginning to feel the effects of his 90 years and 'failing him,' the insider said the singer's 'mind seems sharp as a whistle'.

The source continued: "He's telling these nags to nip it — he's not quitting!"

However, the 'main reason' Nelson is 'scared' of retiring? Well, the insider claims the singer is worried he may 'die' if he's 'not performing and entertaining a crowd'.

They resolved: "He needs his fans as much as they need him."

Getty Images/ Suzanne Cordeiro/ AFP

Indeed, Nelson's fans are flooding to social media in support of the singer.

On Reddit thread r/Music, u/III-Cartographer9811 shared the Binge Hulu article on Nelson being 'scared' to retire, which prompted a user to say: "To be fair, he's probably right...Every time I've seen someone that age stop working, the decline is immediate and extreme."

"As long as he is up to it, I’m happy to see him keep touring. He’s a legend for a reason," another wrote.

And a final resolved: "It's hard to fault him. Most people want to die doing what they love. He might actually get that chance. Good for him!"

UNILAD has contacted Willie Nelson's representatives for comment.