Publicist: Nelson underwent surgery

NEW YORK (AP) -- Willie Nelson wore a black hat -- and a large white cast on his left hand and forearm -- when he accepted an award with Toby Keith at the 39th annual Academy of Country Music awards.
Nelson and Keith won for the video "Beer for My Horses." The awards were presented Wednesday night at the Mandalay Bay resort in Las Vegas.
Earlier this month, his publicist, Elaine Schock, said doctors had advised the 71-year-old Nelson to postpone tour dates so that he could rest and avoid having surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Schock, who is based in Los Angeles, told The Associated Press on Thursday that Nelson had the surgery May 19 and would be able to start touring July 3. She had no other details.
In a posting on the singer's Web site, his daughter, Lana Nelson, said that "after a year of trying everything from arnica to zinc to relieve the pain, he finally had to break down and let them whittle on it a little.
"Doctors tell him he'll be back playing Trigger after the incision is totally mended, followed by a few weeks of physical therapy. With your healing thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery, he may very well be 'On the Road Again' sooner than predicted."
Copyright 2004 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.