Merle Haggard Re-Admits Himself To Hospital

For some people, heading to the hospital is a sort of chore and for others, admitting oneself for some hospital help takes a steely reserve and a whole bunch of willpower. However, if a person waits too long, that person may find his or herself with a whole slew of health problems. This is a lesson Merle Haggard seems to be learning this month.

Country music hall of famer Haggard is 74 years old and still going strong, performing extensively on some lengthy legs of tours. Some might call that brave and others might call that stupid, but I would guess it is a little of both. On January 17, Haggard was expected to play a tour date in Macon, Georgia, only to find himself hospitalized with double pneumonia. The pneumonia was not the clincher, however. While hospitalized, the singer also learned he had three stomach ulcers, eight polyps in his colon, and diverticulitis of his esophagus. Sounds like a trip to the hospital was definitely in order.

Though Haggard canceled a few of his tour date, the “Okie from Muskogee” singer stubbornly attempted to board his tour bus and head back to his home in California. According to The L.A. Times, the tour bus did not make it far before Haggard realized the trip back to Redding, California was not really in his best interest. Haggard’s representative released a statement from his client, yesterday.

“Thanks to the wonderful people all over the world that prayed those special prayers, I’m a new man. Another special thanks to the folks of Macon, Ga., for their kindness, intelligence and probably saving my life.”

With a steely reserve, Haggard plans to be back in full touring swing by February 28. Pop Blend wishes all the best for Haggard and his continuing musical prowess.