“That Was a Big Compliment”: Willie Nelson Said Robert Duvall Reminded Him of Merle Haggard in ‘Tender Mercies’

The late great Robert Duvall, who has passed away at the age of 95, had a longstanding relationship with the country music world, starring in a range of revered Western films and series, including Tender Mercies, Lonesome Dove and Broken Trail.

In a statement from his wife, Luciana Duvall, announcing the California native's death on Sunday February 15th, 2026, she pays homage to the iconic thespian, “To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything. His passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for characters, a great meal, and holding court. For each of his many roles, Bob gave everything to his characters and to the truth of the human spirit they represented. In doing so, he leaves something lasting and unforgettable to us all. Thank you for the years of support you showed Bob and for giving us this time and privacy to celebrate the memories he leaves behind”.

In Tender Mercies, Duvall famously played a washed-up country singer named Mac Sledge, who attempts to piece his life back together after a string of implosive decisions.

It's often been speculated as to whether Sledge - who is portrayed as an alcoholic - was inspired by a specific country artist, with many assuming George Jones was the muse, given The Possum's infamous track record of alcohol-fuelled mishaps.

In an interview given around the film's release in 1983, Duvall underlined that he didn't consciously base Sledge on any single artist, but Texas legend Willie Nelson did make a remark about his performance during a private screening that stuck with him.

Duvall begins by praising Tender Mercies as “One of the most beautiful films I've ever been in. It's a really wonderful film. A lot of humanity, you know, deep humanity in it, I think”.

When asked about who Sledge was based on, Duvall clarifies that he didn't craft the part on anyone in particular, adding, “When we were doing it, George Jones I heard said it was patterned after him, which it really wasn't - although it kind of is by chance”.

He goes on, “I listened to certain singers that I admired. When it was over about a month and a half ago we had a special screening in New York that I helped set up for Willie Nelson. Because everybody said it was kind of a Willie Nelson type of character”.

Duvall fondly recalls that Willie compared his performance to that of one of his best friends and one of country music's all-time greats, “But when it was over twice he said to me, ‘You know, you really reminded me an awful lot of Merle up there’. So that was a big compliment to me. I love Merle Haggard and his work. So maybe in a roundabout way I had thought of that a little bit, but I didn't do it too consciously. I just kind of went for myself, although I admired certain people's music”.

In another interview, Duvall reflects on his affinity for the genre, “I’ve always liked country music when I was in the army - Lefty Frizzell, Hank Williams, Hank Thompson - and so I’ve always liked country music. So that wasn’t a stretch for me to step into that”.

Alongside Willie, Duvall had ties with a host of country music titans, being good buddies with Waylon Jennings, for instance, as well as appearing as a character witness at Billie Joe Shaver's 2007 trial, ultimately helping Shaver stay out of prison.

Duvall's passing is undoubtedly a deeply sad moment, not just for Hollywood and the film industry, but for the country music world that he loved so dearly. It's evident from the tributes pouring in that the genre loved him back just as much, if not more.

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