Tributes pour in for late country legend Merle Haggard
Tributes poured in on Twitter after news broke of legendary country musician Merle Haggard's death on Wednesday, his 79th birthday. The singer-songwriter died in Palo Cedro, California, 8 miles east of Redding, of pneumonia that he had been battling for months.
The White House gave a statement, calling Haggard a "legend" and said President Barack Obama was sending his thoughts and prayers to Haggard's family.
Celebrities, especially country stars, remembered the "Okie from Muskogee" singer. Many young country musicians referred to Haggard as an influential figure.
Country singer Dierks Bentley wrote that he was so upset, he fell to the floor when he learned about the death. Musician Jake Owen said, "Even God is crying."
Love and prayers for the Haggard family. Merle was a pioneer...a true entertainer...a legend. There will never be another like him.
— Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) 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
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
A true hero was lost today. Thank you for your contribution to not only country music but all music. @merlehaggard
— Luke Bryan (@LukeBryanOnline) April 6, 2016
It felt like the world stopped for a moment when I heard about Merle Haggard...such an icon...thanks for your gift to all of us brother
— Brett Eldredge (@bretteldredge) April 6, 2016
Sad to have lost this Country music legend ❤️ #MerleHaggard #RIP pic.twitter.com/CYHgjevjp6
— Reese Witherspoon (@RWitherspoon) April 6, 2016
Thank you @merlehaggard for the gift of your great music. Thank you God for the gift of the great Merle Haggard. RIP pic.twitter.com/bq2T9Bzise
— Charles Esten (@CharlesEsten) April 6, 2016
A bit of Americana dies w/ Merle Haggard's passing. Storyteller, Singer, Rebel, Icon. Hero to the common man & inspiration to many artists
— Larry King (@kingsthings) April 6, 2016
Merle Haggard lived a lot of life in those 79 years. #RIP
— Bobby Bones (@mrBobbyBones) April 6, 2016
I join music fans across the globe in mourning the death of a true American original, Merle Haggard.
— Gov. Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) April 6, 2016
Merle Haggard
— Granger Smith (@GrangerSmith) April 6, 2016
Your name will be honored. Your music celebrated. Your legacy never forgotten. Country music will live on. I'll be sure of it.
Merle Haggard was the best country songwriter there ever was.
— Jason Isbell (@JasonIsbell) April 6, 2016
He was more than a great talent. He was a gifted poet. What a huge inspiration he was to everyone! RIP Merle Haggard pic.twitter.com/AneyiMgdsh
— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) April 6, 2016
Merle Haggard may you find peace and love in your next life.
— Tommy Chong (@tommychong) April 6, 2016
extremely sad to hear of the passing of one of the greatest of all time Mr. Merle Haggard... https://t.co/hmAlAdA8pl pic.twitter.com/s9VhxkXz57
— Jason Aldean (@Jason_Aldean) April 6, 2016
A birthday to be cherished in heaven. @merlehaggard and @gjpossum are kicking out the footlights again. RIP Merle.
— George Jones (@gjpossum) April 6, 2016
Just heard the legendary Merle Haggard has passed away. One of the all time all time greats. #SilverWings
— Steve Austin (@steveaustinBSR) April 6, 2016
Unbelievably sad to hear of Merle Haggard's passing. What a mark he left on country music. Forever grateful for that. ❤️
— Cassadee Pope (@CassadeePope) April 6, 2016
There are no words to describe the loss & sorrow felt within all of music with the passing of Merle Haggard. Thank God for his life & songs.
— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) April 6, 2016
Devastated that our hero @MerleHaggard passed away. He's the reason we fell in love with music. We'll miss you Merle pic.twitter.com/MrJ1hWIAFt
— Rhett & Link (@rhettandlink) April 6, 2016
Country music lost one the legends today.. Rest easy Merle Haggard. Truly one of greatest songwriters of all time.. So sad
— Jon Langston (@JonTLangston) April 6, 2016
Hard to believe the news about Merle Haggard. Working with him is something I'll never forget & will cherish forever pic.twitter.com/XsgqYvbtD5
— Dustin Lynch (@dustinlynch) April 6, 2016
I just told my little girl @merlehaggard has passed away and gone to heaven. She said, "that's okay daddy,We will get to go to heaven too.
— Jake Owen (@jakeowen) April 6, 2016
Country music has suffered one of the greatest losses it will ever experience Rest in peace Merle Haggard
— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) April 6, 2016