Details of Merle Haggard's Funeral Announced

On the morning of April 6, 2016, on his 79th birthday, Merle Haggard died of complications from pneumonia at his home in Palo Cedro, California. His son Ben said that Haggard had predicted the day of his death a week prior. Haggard's wife, Theresa, sent a hand-written note to The Californian expressing her sorrow.
"He was the best singer, songwriter and performer I've ever seen. Not only did he write the songs he sang, he was the music.
"I will miss him forever."
The funeral is set for Saturday (April 9) in Palo Cedro, Calif. It will be a private memorial for Haggard.
Before Haggard passed away, he had already pre-planned his own funeral service in a written document. Marty and Connie Smith have been invited to participate. Stuart told the Tennessean: "He requested that Connie sing 'Precious Memories,' that me and Connie sing his song 'Silver Wings,' and that I officiate the service," he says. "We're honored to do it."
The service is scheduled for Saturday on Haggard's property in Palo Cedro in Shasta County. Haggard has asked that two recordings by his idol Lefty Frizzell be played and he extended an invitation to friends and touring partners Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson to perform a song of their choosing. Among Haggard's pallbearers are his youngest son, Ben, and nephew Jim Haggard. The document stated that Haggard wishes to be cremated.
Haggard was married five times, first, in 1956, to Leona Hobbs (they had four children: Dana, Marty, Kelli, Noel); in 1965 to singer Bonnie Owens, former wife of Buck Owens; in 1978 to singer Leona Williams; and in 1985 to Debbie Parret. On Sept. 11, 1993, Haggard's friend and former collaborator, Tommy Collins, a minister, performed his wedding to the former Theresa Ann Lane. The Haggards had two children, Jenessa and Ben.
Tags : merle haggard marty stuart connie smith Willie Nelson ben haggard merle haggard funeral merle haggard news merle haggard death merle haggard latest merle haggard died kris kristofferson left frizell
Hot Trends
-
Michael Tait Accused of Watching Woman Raped During Newsboys Tour
-
CCM Artists Call for Reform Amid Allegations Against Michael Tait: “Secrecy Always Destroys”
-
Newsboys Dropped From Label Amid Michael Tait Scandal
-
TobyMac Accused of Dabbling with Satanic Occult
-
Joe L. Barnes Announces Engagement to Lauren Scott
-
Newsboys' Michael Tait Joins Capital Chuch for their 37th Annual Easter Sunrise Service at the Lincoln Memorial
-
Michael Tait Faces Additional Allegations from 6 More Men, Including Two Minors
-
Elevation Rhythm Announces Headline Goodbye Yesterday 2025 Tour
-
Bishop Thomas Tyrone Tribbett, Father of Gospel Artist Tye Tribbett, Passes Away
-
Chris Whittington Revisits "Bright Portal" and Shares Testimony of God's Faithfulness
-
TAYA Leaves Hillsong Church
-
Here Are Lyrics to Passion's "The Lord Will Provide"
-
Former Mutemath Drummer Darren King Identifies Himself as a Victim of Michael Tait’s Alleged Misconduct
-
Jasmine Brady Speaks About Her New Album: "My Vision is that People Would Find Hope"
-
Steven Curtis Chapman, Michael Tait, Ashley Smith & Others to Appear at 2015 K-LOVE Fan Awards
Most Popular
-
Michael Tait Accused of Watching Woman Raped During Newsboys Tour
-
CCM Artists Call for Reform Amid Allegations Against Michael Tait: “Secrecy Always Destroys”
-
Newsboys Dropped From Label Amid Michael Tait Scandal
-
TobyMac Accused of Dabbling with Satanic Occult
-
Joe L. Barnes Announces Engagement to Lauren Scott
-
Newsboys' Michael Tait Joins Capital Chuch for their 37th Annual Easter Sunrise Service at the Lincoln Memorial
-
Michael Tait Faces Additional Allegations from 6 More Men, Including Two Minors
-
Elevation Rhythm Announces Headline Goodbye Yesterday 2025 Tour
-
Bishop Thomas Tyrone Tribbett, Father of Gospel Artist Tye Tribbett, Passes Away
-
Chris Whittington Revisits "Bright Portal" and Shares Testimony of God's Faithfulness
-
TAYA Leaves Hillsong Church
-
Here Are Lyrics to Passion's "The Lord Will Provide"
-
Former Mutemath Drummer Darren King Identifies Himself as a Victim of Michael Tait’s Alleged Misconduct
-
Jasmine Brady Speaks About Her New Album: "My Vision is that People Would Find Hope"
-
Steven Curtis Chapman, Michael Tait, Ashley Smith & Others to Appear at 2015 K-LOVE Fan Awards