Singer Merle Haggard was the father of Dana, Marty, Kelli, Noel, Jenessa and Ben before his death in 2016. Here's everything ...

Merle Haggard was head over heels for Dolly Parton. He said one awkward studio session finally 'freed' him of his crush.

Merle Haggard fell deeply in love with Dolly Parton. When he looked back on his behavior, he couldn't help but cringe.

Dolly Parton said she didn't know Merle Haggard was in love with her. If she had, she said she would have flirted despite being married.

On this day, August 1, 1966, Merle Haggard recorded his first-ever No. 1 hit, "I'm A Lonesome Fugitive" in Los Angeles, California.

Forty-three years ago today, Willie Nelson was at the top of the country chart with the most successful album of his career.

"Merle wrote his life's story in his songs, and those songs, though specific to him, are also universal to everyone," continues Eliot about the genius that separated Haggard from other singer ...

-- Country Music Hall of Famer Merle Haggard passed away today on his 79th birthday, his son Ben confirmed on Facebook. "A week ago dad told us he was gonna pass on his birthday, and he wasn't wrong.

After Merle Haggard passed away Wednesday at home in Palo Cedro, Calif., country music was pouring its heart out over word of the Golden State native's death from pneumonia at 79.

When Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard last got together in a recording studio, it was with their fellow country music veteran Ray Price for the 2007 album "Last of the Breed." ...