In the wake of the passing of country legend Merle Haggard, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum ordered flowers and a condolence book for fans to sign, placing both next to his bronze likeness in the Hall’s rotunda. Meanwhile, the biggest stars in country music took to Twitter to remember the Hag:
Willie Nelson: “He was my brother, my friend. I will miss him.”
Toby Keith: “”The greatest singer songwriter of my lifetime is gone. Thanks for the music and friendship. R.I.P. Hag.”
Dolly Parton: “We’ve lost one of the greatest writers and singers of all time. His heart was as tender as his love ballads. I loved him like a brother. Rest easy, Merle. “
Clint Black: “I was lucky to have him as a special guest on my first headline tour and got to know my biggest musical hero up close. It was a magical. He and I had a lot of hang time on my bus, which was too big a deal to have even been imagined for a bucket list. He was generous with the stories from his life and I could’ve sat across from him and listened for hours. We even wrote a couple of songs together…There are no words to describe what his music and the time I had with him meant to me..The band and I will pay tribute tomorrow night in Bowling Green, KY. ”
Keith Urban: “One of the great concert memories I have is seeing Merle and the Strangers at the Ryman in Nashville. We had a ‘live’ album of his when I was growing up and I felt like I’d fallen inside my Dad’s stereo speakers. One of my all time favorite voices and a master songwriter. Blessings to your soulful spirit Merle and all of your family and loved ones.”
Luke Bryan: A true hero was lost today. Thank you for your contribution to not only country music but all music.
Jason Aldean: “extremely sad to hear of the passing of one of the greatest of all time Mr. Merle Haggard…”
Carrie Underwood: “Love and prayers for the Haggard family. Merle was a pioneer…a true entertainer…a legend. There will never be another like him.”
Brad Paisley: “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.”
Dierks Bentley: “literally just fell to the floor. can’t believe we lost the hag. rip merle haggard”
Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts: “My heart is absolutely broken in two at the news of the loss of Merle Haggard. We keep losing all of the good ones. What a sad, sad day…”
Chris Young: “There will never be another artist like the Hag… Rest In Peace Merle Haggard”
Big Kenny Alphin of Big & Rich: “God Bless the great Merle Haggard. May you fly with the Angels. #RIPMerleHaggard”
John Rich of Big & Rich: “’Mighty’ Merle Haggard was the greatest country songwriter of ALL TIME. We shared many great memories, and I will miss him #merlehaggard”
Kip Moore: “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.”
Jon Pardi: “Sad day today @merlehaggard has passed. RIP to a true songwriter, a pioneer of California Country, and country music.”
Granger Smith: “Not sure what to type yet. I don’t really have words for it,” later adding, “He finally has his silver wings.”
Tyler Farr: “We lost one of the best today. Rest in peace Merle Haggard…. You will be missed”
David Nail: “RIP Merle.”
Billy Currington: “rip merle haggard thank you for all the great music u blessed us with. we will play it forever”
Chase Rice: “No one could steer me right but Mama tried… RIP Merle.”
Parmalee: “Merle was one of our biggest influences and we are so heartbroken to hear about his passing. RIP to a true legend.”
Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame: “Merle Haggard’s contribution to American popular music is inestimable, and his death seems somehow unfathomable. He carried the sounds and spirit of his heroes Jimmie Rodgers, Bob Wills, Lefty Frizzell, Hank Williams, and Woody Guthrie into the present day, and he wrote the songs that told, and will continue to tell, our stories.”
White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest: “He was a legend and he was somebody who, I think, told the kinds of stories that whether you live in an urban community, or suburban community or a rural committee, I think you could relate to it.”
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