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Willie Nelson says ‘I don’t care’ if fans upset about Austin concert for Beto O’Rourke

Willie Nelson is headlining a free rally for Democratic Texas Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke in Austin, and he doesn't care if fans are unhappy about it.

AUSTIN — Country music icon Willie Nelson has his own opinion about politics in Texas, and he doesn't care if his fans have the same one as him.

"I've been supporting Democrats all my life," he said on ABC's The View Tuesday.

Credit: Screen grab of video from The View
Willie Nelson talks politics on ABC's The View.

The 85-year-old musician announced he's headlining a fundraising event for Democratic Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke, who's running against incumbent Republican Ted Cruz for the November Texas mid-term election. But -- some fans took to social media to express their unhappiness with the country music star's decision.

RELATED: Willie Nelson benefit for Beto O'Rourke probably won't sway voters, analyst says

In response, Nelson said on The View that he doesn't understand why some people don't know his political affiliation because he has never hidden his beliefs, and he added that it doesn't bother him when he gets flack for it.

"Everybody has an opinion. Everybody has a right to an opinion. So you know, I think I have one too," he said.

When asked if he was concerned that fans have an issue with him performing at the O'Rourke fundraiser, Nelson said plainly, "I don't care."

RELATED: Beto O'Rourke campaign enlists Willie Nelson, Leon Bridges for free rally in Austin

As Nelson alluded to, he's supported various Democratic candidates in the past, including former President Jimmy Carter in 1980. However, the rally for O'Rourke differs because it will be Nelson's first free public performance on behalf of a political candidate.

The rally for O'Rourke is scheduled for Sept. 29 at 8 p.m. at Auditorium Shores in Austin.

Watch Nelson's full interview on The View below:

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