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Merle Haggard is on the Mend

Merle Haggard is home from the hospital, following lung surgery. His publicist reveals that the 71-year-old country legend had non-small cell lung cancer, which has a better rate of survival than small cell cancer. Tests show that doctors were able to remove the affected tissue in the successful surgery, and the Hag has no more signs of cancer.

"Due to the surgeon, Dr. Peck, the Tylenol pushers on the fourth floor of the Memorial Hospital, and most of all, my wife Theresa, I'm feeling good ... better and better each day," Haggard writes in a statement. "I'd sure like to know who controls the largest shares of Tylenol. God forbid it be the oil companies!"

Haggard's publicist says that when he woke up after surgery, he opened his eyes, yodeled and smiled. He's now resting and recovering comfortably at his home in Bakersfield, Calif.

Haggard was a pioneer of country music's 'Bakersfield Sound' and a key member of the '70s country outlaw movement, alongside buddies Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson. Haggard has had 38 No. 1 hits in a career that has spanned over 40 years. Some of his best-loved songs include 'Okie from Muskogee,' 'Mama Tried,' 'The Fightin' Side of Me' and 'Carolyn.'

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Mint Julep

Merle Haggard is the greatest!! I pray that he will be well soon and continue to sing and play for all his great fans for many years.

GOD BLESS YOU, MERLE

July 26 2009 at 12:30 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
cadlakmack

Dear Merle:

I was scared to death when I saw you were ill. Thank God you are up cracking jokes! I hope and pray you and Theresa get another hundred years. America needs your music and sense of humor, not to mention a new song from you or a concert appearance makes my day. Take care! Get Well, Stay Well. Love, Tough Tess outa T-Town

July 21 2009 at 6:27 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Mud

Merle & Theresa ,thank GOD you get another Christmas with us! probably all that can be said about you has been said, so I send you two my best wishes.Both of you rest up now..hope to see you out here, and I know GENE says howdy! long life to Mr. inspiration!

November 25 2008 at 10:57 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
blueeyed357

Merle Haggard you and I go back a long way. I can remember when I was in my twenties playing your songs over and over on 8 tracks. I hope you get that health in shape...would like to hear you sing again...take care sweetheart.

November 16 2008 at 5:33 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
shrclo

God Bless You Mr. Merle !!! You are in our thoughts and prayers...we love your music...and our parents too.. missed out on your last concert in the tulsa area .. can't wait til you come back to the tulsa area... GET WELL SOON ! ! ! Praying for you ! !

Your music makes you strong !

KEEP A SONG IN YOUR HEART !

SHERRY AND MAX -- TULSA

November 12 2008 at 2:51 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
carolee001

What a class-act gentleman you are, Merle! I love your songs. They are forever remembered...and your friends, Willie, Weylon Kris. Hank. You have wonderful spirit. I hear it in your music and even though I'm a " Northerner from Ohio, " I appreciate treasure all that you have given.

November 12 2008 at 2:16 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Hello Elvis Fan

I Love Merle Haggard, his great voice and his great music. I was surprised to hear of his cancer. Hope he gets better real soon! May God bless him and be with him always. Signed a loyal Merle Haggard Fan for over 20 years!

November 12 2008 at 2:06 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Mario\'s Moll

God Bless You Mr. Haggard

November 12 2008 at 1:00 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
SunnyOne

Mr. Haggard would be well advised to check out www.hyperthermia-center-honover.com for a total cancer cure throughout his body. The cancer threat is never in just one place, always throughout the body, so an operation may only delay the inevitable unless one takes a total body eradication such as the above.

November 11 2008 at 11:35 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
melsumter

God bless you man, keep getting better, our prayers are with you!
Fans from Oklahoma

November 11 2008 at 11:04 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply