Tributes pour in for late country legend Merle Haggard
Tributes poured in on Twitter after news broke of legendary country musician Merle Haggard's death on Wednesday, his 79th birthday. The singer-songwriter died in Palo Cedro, California, 8 miles east of Redding, of pneumonia that he had been battling for months.
The White House gave a statement, calling Haggard a "legend" and said President Barack Obama was sending his thoughts and prayers to Haggard's family.
Celebrities, especially country stars, remembered the "Okie from Muskogee" singer. Many young country musicians referred to Haggard as an influential figure.
Country singer Dierks Bentley wrote that he was so upset, he fell to the floor when he learned about the death. Musician Jake Owen said, "Even God is crying."
