Merle Haggard has sadly died on his 79th birthday.

The country music star passed away on Wednesday, April 6 after suffering from double pneumonia, his manager confirmed to TMZ.

Merle was previously hospitalized in early March for a recurring bout of double pneumonia.

merle haggard getty images

Merle in April 2015.

According to a statement from his rep at the time, Merle canceled several concerts last month as he was still suffering from a past bout of pneumonia in both lungs.

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After the “Okie From Muskogee” singer was advised by his doctors to take a month off from work to recover from his current illness, Merle additionally canceled all of his upcoming March tour dates.

Our thoughts are with Merle’s friends and family during this difficult time.