On April 6th, 1937, a future country music legend was born into this world. On that very same day 79 years later, that same legend would be taken from it. That legend was singer/songwriter Merle Haggard. Haggard passed away Wednesday (his birthday) with complications from pneumonia at his home in California.

Haggard influenced dozens and dozens of country musicians and singers today and the way they write and perform their music. Haggard told his stories through his songs and those stories have been and will continue to be told through generations to come.

Country artists from all over the nation took to social media to post their support and condolences. Singer Dierks Bentley tweeted, “literally just fell to the floor. can’t believe we lost the hag. rip merle haggard.” Fellow country superstar Charlie Daniels said, “Country music has suffered one of the greatest losses it will ever experience. Rest in peace Merle Haggard.”

Senior Ashley said, “Merle Haggard clearly influenced country music today because you turn on the radio and his name or songs are referenced all the time.” Haggard was known for his hits such as “Okie From Muskogee,” “Mama Tried,” and “Tonight the Bottle Let Me Down.” Haggard was adored by millions of country music fans and will forever be missed. As Carrie Underwood stated “…there will never be another like him.”