An outpouring of emotion from the country music community as news broke of Merle Haggard's death.
Country music lost a true legend today. Merle Haggard passed away on his 79th birthday at his home in California. Take a read through some of the posts on social media as Nashville reacted to news of his death:
So sad to hear of @merlehaggard's passing today. Truly a legend, to whom we are all grateful for his gift of music. #GodBless #RIP
— Blair Garner (@blairgarner) April 6, 2016
This hit us in the gut. We'll be having another "Merle" night on the bus this weekend. Condolences to his family https://t.co/pb6camGXs5
— Josh AbboŦŦ (@joshabbottband) April 6, 2016
Merle Haggard Dead at 79https://t.co/w9Lc54eqZd pic.twitter.com/PRBvSxe4FC
— The Country Daily (@countrydailywwo) April 6, 2016
It’s with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to @MerleHaggard. The legend passed away today at age 79. #RIP pic.twitter.com/7j25XlAlIT
— CMT (@CMT) 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
Another legend lost. Playing "Misery & Gin" in your honor, Merle. pic.twitter.com/Z5MAT0S7XB
— MAREN MORRIS (@MarenMorris) April 6, 2016
RIP Merle Haggard. Nobody did a country song quite like you. You were a badass inspiration to us all. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/18nR79taLU
— Kalie Shorr (@kalieshorr) 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
Rest in peace, Hag. One of a kind, and the definition of legend. pic.twitter.com/aUGX22Avna
— Trisha Yearwood (@trishayearwood) April 6, 2016
There will never be another artist like the Hag… Rest In Peace Merle Haggard
— ChrisYoungMusic (@ChrisYoungMusic) April 6, 2016
We lost another hero..Merle Haggard was & still Is a huge inspiration in my musical journey… Long live The Hag. pic.twitter.com/kJsnc5lKBF
— Tara Thompson (@TaraThompsonTN) April 6, 2016
RIP Merle Haggard. Sad day for country music #RIPMerle #mamatried pic.twitter.com/4OpaXdOmwd
— Levi Hummon (@levihummon) 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.
— jakeowen.eth (@jakeowen) April 6, 2016
Heartbroken. #MerleHaggard https://t.co/TeBj4hPd69https://t.co/KTTU0mRVAB
— rosanne cash (@rosannecash) April 6, 2016
He finally has his silver wings.
— Granger Smith (@GrangerSmith) April 6, 2016
Sad day today @merlehaggard has passed. RIP to a true songwriter, a pioneer of California Country, and country music.
— Jon Pardi (@JonPardi) April 6, 2016
This can't be true! Are The good times really over? So sad to hear we lost a #Legend today. pic.twitter.com/nPQ1tgcztD
— Shawn Parr (@DJ_Shawn_Parr) 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
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
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
If your'e running down my country man, you're walkin on the fightin side of me.#Merle
— Kelleigh Bannen (@kelleighbannen) April 6, 2016
Thank you @merlehaggard for inspiring generations of music. You are a legend and will truly missed #MerleHaggArd pic.twitter.com/ayhGlm35An
— Austin Webb (@austinlwebb) April 6, 2016
RIP Merle…you paved the way for so many. You had what we all hope for…a voice that matters and survives the ever changing trends.
— Kip Moore (@KipMooreMusic) April 6, 2016
Songs that changed how we sing country music… We were lucky to have you 79 years on this earth. RIP @merlehaggard
— Lindsay Ell (@lindsayell) 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
Saddened by the loss of Merle. We lost a bad ass man, a great poet! I love you Merle. Prayers for his family. R.I.P. #MerleHaggard
— LeAnn Rimes Cibrian (@leannrimes) April 6, 2016
Pains me to say that country music icon @merlehaggard has passed away. So honored to have known him and shared the stage with him.
— Josh Turner (@joshturnermusic) April 6, 2016
The world will not be the same without @merlehaggard in it. Voice of reason, good man, true American artist. An original. RIP #MerleHaggard
— Sheryl Crow (@SherylCrow) April 6, 2016
Merle Haggard was the best of them all. https://t.co/CvIetIue6p
— Charlie Worsham (@charlieworsham) April 6, 2016
Merle Haggard was the best country songwriter there ever was.
— Jason Isbell (@JasonIsbell) April 6, 2016
I loved it all but I especially loved when he picked up the fiddle. He seemed to be having so much fun. pic.twitter.com/8GeycbVwxD
— Lee Ann Womack (@leeannwomack) April 6, 2016
Country music lost an icon today. Our hearts and prayers are with the Haggard family. pic.twitter.com/9qJR7Un7HG
— Grand Ole Opry (@opry) April 6, 2016
Merle Haggard
Your name will be honored. Your music celebrated. Your legacy never forgotten. Country music will live on. I'll be sure of it.— Granger Smith (@GrangerSmith) April 6, 2016
Sad day for country music! Merle Haggard is the greatest of all time…period! RIP Merle pic.twitter.com/A3KK0n5qwP
— Craig Campbell (@craigcampbelltv) 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
Just heard the news. I'm so so sad. I don't even know what else to say….
— Martina McBride (@martinamcbride) April 6, 2016
Rest in Peace, @merlehaggard
— The Ty Bentli Show (@TheTyBentliShow) April 6, 2016
We lost a legend today… One that will never be forgotten… #RIPmerlehaggard pic.twitter.com/VVYX5AafKt
— Morgan Myles (@MorganMylesLIVE) April 6, 2016
With sad hearts, we've learned of 46-time #CMAawards nominee @MerleHaggard’s passing. MORE: https://t.co/MdPiHzreUc pic.twitter.com/iVGWWhgAhc
— CMA Country Music (@CountryMusic) 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 (@lukebryan) April 6, 2016
We lost a legend! As a kid I would sit and sing and harmonize "Silver Wings" with my dad. Today Merle Haggard got his wings. RIP Merle
— Dylan Scott (@DylanScottCntry) 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 sad day for the family of country music. #RIPMerleHaggard https://t.co/j3Z0pSI95V
— KellyFordInTheMorning (@thekellyford) April 6, 2016
Thank you for holding down California Country music for us. Forever a legend. RIP #MerleHaggard
— Tyler Rich (@TylerRichMusic) April 6, 2016
You will always be my hero. This was one of the best days of my life. #RIPMerleHaggard @merlehaggard pic.twitter.com/QFfNmkmnF9
— Randy Rogers Band (@RandyRogersBand) April 6, 2016
Rest in peace. https://t.co/npaDMJMQVz
— Eric Church (@ericchurch) April 6, 2016
I am dumbfounded by the news of his passing. Merle Haggard was probably my greatest musical influence and my hero! pic.twitter.com/1WMs90Mx7i
— Darryl Worley (@darrylworley) April 6, 2016
This is a video of Vince from a few years back…Rest in Peace @merlehaggard, you will be missed by everyone https://t.co/RhVtkzmsRg
— Vince Gill (@VGcom) April 6, 2016
So sad to hear about the passing of Merle Haggard. My thoughts and Prayers are with his family and country music fans. #RIPMerleHaggard
— Cole Swindell (@coleswindell) April 6, 2016
Mourning the loss of my hero, Merle @merlehaggard #RIPHag pic.twitter.com/Fp7BWVbGuW
— Gene Watson (@GeneWatsonMusic) April 6, 2016
Sang this song two years ago. Seems fitting today. #RIPMerle #SilverWings https://t.co/MFRSsIVKGO
— Maggie Rose (@IAmMaggieRose) April 6, 2016
My favorite @MerleHaggard song has always been #MyFavoriteMemory https://t.co/72c2AimLXy #MerleHaggard #RIPMerle #RIPMerleHaggard #Legend
— Rodney Atkins (@RodneyAtkins) April 6, 2016
I'm very sad to hear of the passing of legend Merle Haggard today. You paved the way for #country music. pic.twitter.com/5ViEIM3lOp
— Sarah Darling (@_SarahDarling) April 6, 2016
Merle Haggard. We just lost arguably the best Country singer songwriter of all time. He was my favorite above anyone else….#RIPHAG
— Terri Clark (@TerriClarkMusic) April 6, 2016
Impossible to say goodbye to a legend..instead, thank you & farewell to one of the greatest artists & songwriters of all time, Merle Haggard
— The Bluebird Cafe (@BluebirdCafeTN) April 6, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers with @merlehaggard's family. Thankful for all he did for country music. #legend pic.twitter.com/BVTADpPiRp
— Florida Georgia Line (@FLAGALine) April 6, 2016
Our hearts ache today. We lost a GREAT one, y'all. RIP, Merle. pic.twitter.com/Rn6b2xMpck
— Sister C (@OfficialSisterC) April 6, 2016
RIP to one of the greats, Merle Haggard. pic.twitter.com/ZlYjfSTRsY
— Temecula Road (@temecularoad) April 6, 2016
R.I.P. Merle – one of the first reasons I started to write songs. What a massive inspiration. He'll be missed. pic.twitter.com/3NA6JVocsl
— Thomas Rhett (@ThomasRhett) April 6, 2016
Heart is heavy. You can expect us to sing @merlehaggard tonight at the show. Won't apologize for it either.
— The Swon Brothers (@TheSwonBrothers) April 6, 2016
Flip through our gallery of Merle Haggard photos that span his childhood through glory days https://t.co/DpnIvN9DgU pic.twitter.com/oE0uM00MkJ
— RS Country (@RScountry) April 6, 2016
His songs wrapped grace & poetry in the unadorned workwear of the common man. RIP #CMHOF member @merlehaggard pic.twitter.com/72WAjfmZ7D
— Country Music HOF (@countrymusichof) April 6, 2016
RIP Merle Haggard. Heaven's choir just got a heck of a lot better.
— Mickey Guyton (@MickeyGuyton) April 6, 2016
RIP Merle.
— thecadillac3 (@thecadillac3) April 6, 2016
Words can't describe the loss Country Music suffered today! #RIPHAG pic.twitter.com/xBstylnBcs
— Cody Johnson (@codyjohnson) April 6, 2016
Sad about @merlehaggard today but also believe he, Jimmie Rodgers and Bob Wills and a host of others are having one heaven of a jam tonight!
— Randy Houser (@RandyHouser) April 6, 2016
Heaven's band just got better! RIP to the LEGENDARY @merlehaggard. Your music will never die!
— Darius Rucker (@dariusrucker) April 6, 2016
To Merle Haggard, a man who was always outspoken both in life and in music… we will miss your beautiful voice. RIP Merle.
Love,
The Chicks— The Chicks (@thechicks) April 6, 2016
Truly tragic, but his legacy will forever live on. #RIP #MerleHaggard pic.twitter.com/ZHxxtTJ0Hu
— A Thousand Horses (@athousandhorses) April 6, 2016
Merle Haggard. The man , the songs , the voice, the attitude – Iconic. pic.twitter.com/yvykBkUdUn
— Tim McGraw (@TheTimMcGraw) April 6, 2016
Silver Wings shining in the sunlight…@merlehaggard You will be sorely missed! REK
— Robert Earl Keen (@robertearlkeen) April 6, 2016
Such a tragic loss for Country Music, R.I.P Merle Haggard there will never be another Hag
— Jamey Johnson ST (@JameyJohnsonAL) April 6, 2016
I pledge allegiance to the HAG! #RIPMerleHaggard pic.twitter.com/sHDctv92BJ
— Shawn Parr (@DJ_Shawn_Parr) April 6, 2016
Can't believe it. Seriously so sad to hear about Merle. The music and the mark he left on music will live forever. pic.twitter.com/afcy7M9W4V
— Hunter Hayes (@HunterHayes) April 6, 2016
One of the gr8 concert memories I have is seeing Merle and the Strangers at the Ryman in Nashville… (Continued…)
— Keith Urban (@KeithUrban) April 6, 2016
We had a "live" album of his when I was growing up and I felt like I'd fallin' inside my Dad's stereo speakers. (Continued…)
— Keith Urban (@KeithUrban) April 6, 2016
One of my all time favorite voices – and a master songwriter. Blessings to your soulful spirit Merle & all of you family & loved ones. – KU
— Keith Urban (@KeithUrban) April 6, 2016
So sad to hear of the passing of @merlehaggard. He'll be missed, but his great music & legacy will carry on forever pic.twitter.com/hjKdrh95OK
— Scotty McCreery (@ScottyMcCreery) April 6, 2016
"Silver wings slowly fading out of sight…" – @merlehaggard || Watch @eastoncorbin pay tribute to one his heroes. https://t.co/l76XAPh7N8
— Grand Ole Opry (@opry) April 6, 2016
The birds are singing a lonesome song today. Pine trees, a warm fire, whiskey, and Merle Haggard is a combo that'll live in my heart forever
— Drake White (@DrakeWhite) April 6, 2016
Rest in Peace, Mighty @MerleHaggard.https://t.co/I1s2QqY4ek
— ACM Awards (@ACMawards) April 6, 2016
one of my Idols Merle Haggard passed away :/ God Bless the Haggard Family… country music has lost a legend </3
— Audra Mclaughlin (@AudraLynn21) April 6, 2016
— Tim McGraw (@TheTimMcGraw) April 7, 2016
.@merlehaggard crafted songs that were for every day people. He was relatable and real and will continue to inspire! pic.twitter.com/kHdFp1iTJ1
— Lady A (@ladya) April 7, 2016
Today, friends, the world lost one of the greatest singer/songwriters of all time, Merle… https://t.co/r0XhjVFkKm pic.twitter.com/xcAAmcVay7
— Loretta Lynn (@LorettaLynn) April 7, 2016
God bless Merle Haggard. We will be singing your songs forever https://t.co/DZeY9NX8EK pic.twitter.com/hD8CZkKyqp
— AUBRIE SELLERS (@aubriesellers) April 7, 2016
Country music lost a legend today. RIP @merlehaggard.
— Dan + Shay (@DanAndShay) April 7, 2016
.@MerleHaggard was a legend, pioneer, inspiration, hero and friend to so many. #RIPMerlehttps://t.co/deZ5Q2PutG
— CMT (@CMT) April 7, 2016
Incredibly sad tonight.. Goodbye Merle Haggard.
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) April 7, 2016
Rest In Peace Merle Haggard. You will be missed greatly. Sending thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.
— Mike Gossin (@mikegossin) April 7, 2016
It's a very sad day for all of us Hag fans. I honestly think that had it not been for him I would not have chosen the path that I chose. – G
— George Strait (@GeorgeStrait) April 7, 2016
Goodbye Merle- you wrote it- you played it- you sang it – and damn you were good-The King-RIP we're gonna miss you!! pic.twitter.com/asrRURdzRf
— Kix Brooks (@KixBrooks) April 7, 2016
Got to chat with @merlehaggard on his bus for an hour or so in 2007. An hour I will never forget…
What a guy.. What a Legend.— Chuck Wicks (@chuckwicksmusic) April 7, 2016
Truly saddened to hear about the passing of Merle Haggard, a legend and one of my heroes!#MerleHaggard #hag pic.twitter.com/Sv6VShfj01
— Easton Corbin (@eastoncorbin) April 7, 2016
Peace ,Love and Haggard. God bless you my brother…..
— Phil Vassar (@philvassar) April 7, 2016
Me and @merlehaggard singing one of the best … There will never be another Merle https://t.co/Dymn0vTSAH
— Jewel (@jeweljk) April 7, 2016
Flip through photos of Merle Haggard, including shots with Nixon, Cash, Willie and more https://t.co/DpnIvN9DgU pic.twitter.com/axx4gBsoNS
— RS Country (@RScountry) April 7, 2016
RIP Merle Haggard
— Connie Britton (@conniebritton) April 7, 2016
Saddened by the loss of country music legend Merle Haggard…the world lost an icon but heaven… https://t.co/QYD4LxFTGv
— kellie pickler (@kelliepickler) April 7, 2016
RIP, Merle…you'll never leave us #haggard pic.twitter.com/6x47H2FzsU
— Canaan Smith (@canaansmith) April 7, 2016
To say that he was one of the greatest ever, is an inadequate understatement. – Dwight
In memory: https://t.co/VlCfeYA9K9
— Dwight Yoakam (@DwightYoakam) April 7, 2016
Today we lost a musical and lyrical giant. Rest in Peace Merle. When I first started singing, if I didn't know… https://t.co/tUeIhYdqXD
— The Black Lillies (@TheBlackLillies) April 7, 2016
A sad day for music. RIP Merle. Thank you for sharing your talent with us all. We will nev… https://t.co/as4Mgf3KGH pic.twitter.com/vMjR5Qggyz
— Jimi Westbrook (@JimiWestbrook) April 7, 2016
I'm truly saddened at the loss of our friend, a man who has made an unmeasurable impact on our business and our lives. Rest in peace, Merle
— cmorganmusic (@cmorganmusic) April 7, 2016
Merle, thank you for spending your life giving us the greatest country music ever to be made.… https://t.co/hkEqwahbX6
— Sonia Leigh (@sonialeigh) April 7, 2016
The world lost one arguably the greatest singer songwriter that ever lived. I'm so thankful for… https://t.co/MDTt4j9XD6
— Mo Pitney (@MoPitney) April 7, 2016
The songwriter, the singer, the poet of the common man…meeting @merlehaggard was one of the biggest honors of my life. Rest in peace Merle.
— Lee Brice (@leebrice) April 7, 2016
“There’s a lot of us IN country music. Merle Haggard IS country music.” —@VinceGill https://t.co/vENTIOgpAK pic.twitter.com/0LM6PYoisf
— The Country Daily (@countrydailywwo) April 8, 2016
Rest In Peace Merle Haggard
April 6, 1937 – April 6, 2016
