One of country music biggest legends, Merle Haggard, has passed away.
According to a report from Sirius XM, the Country Music Hall of Fame passed away today, April 6, which also marked his 79th birthday.
UPDATE (12:53 P.M.): The news has been confirmed by Haggard’s manager, according to a report from the Associated Press. No further statement has been released.
Haggard had been battling to recover from a severe bout of double pneumonia, which forced him to be hospitalized last December.
Country stars are sharing their condolences as the news travels through social media.
Country music has suffered one of the greatest losses it will ever experience Rest in peace Merle Haggard
— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) 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
There will never be another artist like the Hag… Rest In Peace Merle Haggard
— ChrisYoungMusic (@ChrisYoungMusic) 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
Stay tuned to Wide Open Country for additional details.