He Won't Ever Be Gone
Screengrab via YouTube

Willie Nelson Pays Tribute to Merle Haggard with 'He Won't Ever Be Gone'

Today, the country music community is marking the one year anniversary of Merle Haggard's passing. One of his closest friends and fellow country legend Willie Nelson chose this difficult day to release a fitting musical tribute to the Hag.

"He Won't Ever Be Gone" describes the incredible friendships Merle had with Nelson and many others over his long and incredible career. The song's simple but powerful video shows footage of Nelson and Merle's son, Ben Haggard, recording the track. Those moments are set alongside vintage clips of Willie and Merle having a ball in the studio. It's a reminder of just how much joy Merle brought into a room.

Watch the touching music video below.

Tonight, Nelson will be among the massive list of artists paying tribute to Merle at Sing Me Back Home: The Music of Merle Haggard. The one-night-only concert event will be held in Nashville's Bridgestone Arena. Loretta Lynn, Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves and Alabama are just a few of the huge names taking the stage in honor of Haggard.

READ MORE: 6 Classic Merle Haggard Songs You Should Listen to Today

"He Won't Ever Be Gone" is a cut from Nelson's upcoming album God's Problem Child, due out on April 28. In a recent interview, he revealed that he already has another album in the can. The unnamed release will feature both of his sons, Mikah and Lukas.

Now Watch: 15 Things You Didn't Know About Willie Nelson