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Merle Haggard Sidelined With Pneumonia, Cancels Tour Dates

Frazer Harrison, Getty Images

Merle Haggard is being treated for pneumonia in a Georgia hospital, the Associated Press reports. As a result, he's been forced to cancel the remainder of his January tour dates. There's no word yet on whether those shows will be rescheduled.

The 74-year-old country icon fell ill prior to a performance in Macon, Ga., on Tuesday night (Jan. 17). His tour manager, Frank Mull, confirmed to the Ledger-Enquirer that the singer had been sick since leaving his California home last week.

Sadly, the Hag has faced several medical setbacks in the recent past. In August, he was forced to postpone several concerts for an undisclosed medical issue, after being taken to a hospital in Ft. Worth, Texas. He was also sidelined in late 2010 due to a respiratory ailment, and in 2008, the resilient entertainer underwent surgery for lung cancer, eventually beating the disease.

As a result of Merle's most recent hospitalization, concerts in the following cities have been canceled: Columbus, Ga.; Paducah, Ky.; Lola, Miss.; Ft. Worth, Texas; and Tulsa, Okla. The legend's next scheduled performance is Feb. 28 in Tucson, Ariz. Get updates on his concert schedule here.

Watch Merle Haggard's 'America First' Video


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str8fan57

We saw Merle in Nashville last year and it was a great show. Sure he's got a little wear and tear but who doesn't? He raised a little hell but that what we liked about him. Given his age he's bound to have ilness and things going on that will cause cancellations. We get sick days on our jobs! I am very picky and don't waste my concert dollars on just any anyone. To me " New Country" is George Straight! I grew up listening to the traditional sounds of real country and continue to listen to it today, of course it's a little harder to find but, it's there. By the way, I'll be in the second row in April at the Nasville show, Hope you make Merle!

January 20 2012 at 10:59 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
danny

Start diggin' the hole. His warbling days is over!

January 20 2012 at 4:14 AM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
dudern

dude, I been covering yer tunes for 30 years........just lay off the cigerettes and liquor.
get healthy...... be cool.......

January 20 2012 at 2:09 AM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to dudern's comment
hyperstan

Too late.

January 20 2012 at 4:46 AM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
Ron Caponi

Keep the faith Merle!

January 20 2012 at 1:59 AM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply
Grandpa Dave 02

god bless him and the big u.s.a. too get well soon ...

January 20 2012 at 1:28 AM Report abuse +3 rate up rate down Reply
time1865

Sorry he is ill. I bought every one of his albums back in the 60's. In the 80's we went to Las Vegas and I was happy to hear he was appearing that night at Caears Palace so I bought tickets the best seats in the outdoor sadium. We were in the front row and I was thrilled.

That thrill lasted until they came out on stage and started passing the Jack Daniels around. He made it a point to show everyone. They were drunk and spent the rest of the evening amusing themselves as if the audience wasn't there. I have not doubt his "problem" is still that bottle.

That said, I still love his music, but wouldn't think of wasting money on a concert.

He said it best back when their was pride in America . . . Love it or leave it!

I wish him a speedy recovery and will "country" music still sounded that good and not the crap they call country now.

January 20 2012 at 1:06 AM Report abuse +4 rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to time1865's comment
str8fan57

the 80's was 30+ years ago. It's my understanding Merle has been living a clean sober and healthy life style for a long period of time. A lot of folks were carrying on 30 some years ago!

January 20 2012 at 10:45 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Denis

Yeh, brown bottle flu will do that to ya.

January 20 2012 at 1:03 AM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
Raymond

Merle Haggard has been rescheduled for April in Macon, ga.

January 20 2012 at 12:16 AM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
bocar2l

sending you the very best. get well soon.

Bob and Carol

January 20 2012 at 12:12 AM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply
fred

Need Keith Richards doctor......that's who I want!!

January 19 2012 at 11:34 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply

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