NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A country music legend with ties to the Sooner State has died at the age of 79.
Merle Haggard died around 9:20 a.m. in California on Wednesday, according to Haggard’s manager.
Wednesday marked his 79th birthday.
According to Taste of Country, Haggard was suffering from a series of health struggles.
He was best known for his hit tune “Okie from Muskogee,” along with dozens of other top hits.
You are a cornerstone of country music @merlehaggard…u will be missed greatly. Praying for the Haggard family. 💔
— Hillary Scott (@HillaryScottLA) April 6, 2016
Nobody ever sang a song with the heart and emotion that @merlehaggard did. No wonder it's raining today. Even God is crying.
— Jake Owen (@jakeowen) April 6, 2016
rip @merlehaggard thank you for all the great music u blessed us with. we will play it forever
— Billy Currington (@billycurrington) April 6, 2016
literally just fell to the floor. can't believe we lost the hag. rip merle haggard
— Dierks Bentley (@DierksBentley) April 6, 2016
It’s with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to @MerleHaggard. The legend passed away today at age 79. #RIP pic.twitter.com/7j25XlAlIT
— CMT (@CMT) April 6, 2016
