Country Stars React To Merle Haggard’s Passing…

Yesterday affected everyone who knew and loved Merle Haggard and were influenced by his impact to true country music when we heard the news of his passing on what would have been his 79th birthday.

Facebook, Instagram and Twitter were flooded with photos of the country icon and fellow country artists, stories of those who have had the honor of meeting him and great memories of the “Hag”.

Haggard had canceled tour dates back in December after checking into a hospital where he was diagnosed with double pneumonia. In a later interview later with Willie’s Roadhouse on Sirius XM, he stated he was “nearly dead” while he was hospitalized during his two week stay.

He also canceled scheduled shows in January after the double pneumonia had returned. At the end of March, the legend made the announcement he would be cancelling the remainder of his scheduled shows for April per his doctor’s orders.

We’ve lost one of the greatest writers and singers of all time. His heart was as tender as his love ballads. I loved him like a brother. Rest easy, Merle.Dolly Parton

Merle Haggard was an original. Not just a singer, not just a songwriter, not just another famous performer. He was your common everyday working man. I remember when I was 15 years old on tour with Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard. They both were wondering which one of the two was going to make it. Well, they both made it. Today, ole Merle joined Waylon, George, and daddy to sing in the Heavenly choir. — Hank Williams, Jr.

I am deeply saddened to hear of Merle’s passing. He was a dear friend, I remember touring with him at various points throughout the 90’s and those are memories that I will always cherish. I hate that he lived so far away from us these last few years, but definitely understand it. My hope is that he passed a happy and content man. I learned so much from this kind man about singing, when Merle Haggard sang you paid attention. He is about as close to perfection in country music as we will probably ever have. — Lorrie Morgan

We join the world of the broken hearted hearing of the death of Merle Haggard. One of the first things John and I realized we had in common was our love of Haggard songs. What a blessing to have had a chance to get to know him and work with such a legend in our career. Merle, guess you finally are on the ultimate Natural High. We will have your music in our hearts and souls and honkytonk nights forever! God Bless the great Merle Haggard. May you fly with the Angels.‘Big Kenny’ Alphin / Big & Rich

We’ve lost another hero. Now he doesn’t have to be in pain anymore. I know he’s not suffering anymore. I just can’t imagine a world without Merle. It’s so hard to accept, but I’ll continue honoring him on stage just as I do during every show. We played a lot of gigs together through the years, but some of my fondest memories were hanging out in a natural setting, like the time we sat there by the river in his backyard and ate bologna sandwiches. Merle was a simple man with incredible talent like no other. And now he’s up there singing with George [Jones] and all the angels. Love you, Merle. — Tanya Tucker

I am devastated over the loss of Merle Haggard. He was my absolute favorite of ALL time. I have listened to him since I was a kid. His poetry, his voice and his pure country music style will live forever. I am listening to him sing Sweet Jesus with The Oak Ridge Boys as I write this. SO honored to have recorded this Dove Award winning song with my HERO! Rest Easy Hag… Until The Day…“Jesus… Sweet Jesus…You love me just as I am… Jesus… Sweet Jesus… I’ve been washed in the Blood of the Lamb!”Joe Bonsall / Oak Ridge Boys

I am still sitting here processing the news I just learned of the passing of Merle Haggard and ironically on his birthday. Remembering precious memories of meeting him just one year ago, sitting on his bus, talking about how he continued to write songs each and every day. He even mentioned he had a song for me. How special it was, as he listened to us sing, and after he even played Hunter’s fiddle. His music will live forever! Our sincere condolences to his family. Rest In Sweet Peace “Mighty Merle”!! Rhonda Vincent

The list could go on and on…everyone who was touched by Merle in some way will forever be changed. RIP Merle, you will never be forgotten.

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