Country music legend Merle Haggard has recently passed away after battling double pneumonia. He died on the day of his 79th birthday.
The songwriter's manager revealed that he was diagnosed with pneumonia last year and spent 11 days at the Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage early this year. He died at home near Redding, CA on April 6, reports TMZ.com.
Haggard, who was scheduled to perform with him pal Willie Nelson, canceled his shows for the month of April due to his continuing efforts to recover last week.
Reacting over the tragic news Nelson said, "He was my brother, my friend. I will miss him.