Country music star Willie Nelson, 79, cancelled a fund-raiser performance in Castle Pines Village Saturday.

Nelson was suffering from a health problems, according to several sources.

“I was told Willie woke up and had trouble breathing, so he was taken to the hospital,” said Fred Bartlit, who was hosting the fund-raiser called Lulu’s Barkin’ BBQ.

The event was a fund-raiser for the Dumb Friends League and held at Bartlit’s home in Castle Pines Village.

Chris Gallegos, spokesman for the Dumb Friends League confirmed Nelson cancelled his appearance, but said due to confidentiality, he could not reveal the reason.

Calls to AEG Live, the promoters that handle some of Nelson’s big venue shows, were not immediately returned.

Ryan Parker: 303-954-2409, rparker@denverpost.com or twitter.com/ryanparkerdp