Country star Merle Haggard is recovering following an operation to remove a tumor from his lung.

The singer/songwriter underwent the surgery on Monday (03Nov08) at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital in California.

The 71-year-old was diagnosed with the malignant tumor in May (08) and despite initially refusing treatment, he bowed to pressure from friends and family to have the growth removed.

Doctors have hailed the operation as a success. (LR/WNWA/PAW)

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