Country music legend Merle Haggard dies at age 79

Country music legend Merle Haggard has died at age 79.

He died on his birthday.

Haggard had been in ill health recently and had to cancel concert dates while he battled pneumonia.

The Bakersfield Californian confirmed the news.

Explore>>Willie Nelson reacts to Merle Haggard's death

Fans took to social media to remember Haggard, who was known as the "poet of the common man" because of his dedication to writing songs for and about the working class.

About the Author

Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Luzia’ returns to Atlantic Station after 8-year gap

JID, Teddy Swims among 2026 Grammy Award nominees with Georgia ties

Outkast enters the Rock Hall on Saturday. Here’s everything you need to know.

Featured

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

Prolonged shutdown could force 20% flight cuts, U.S. officials warn

The Federal Aviation Administration started reducing flights Friday at 40 major airports, which includes Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

With SNAP benefits in limbo, Atlanta residents step up to help

With SNAP benefits in limbo after a late-Friday Supreme Court decision, many metro Atlanta residents are putting their own money toward supporting those affected.

Study: Rents for low-wage Atlantans rose 9 times faster than for high earners

Rents for suburban workforce housing in the metro Atlanta region increased by almost 20%, while rents for luxury units increased by 2%, a study said.