Country music icon Merle Haggard has been hospitalized again and is now being forced to postpone several of his upcoming shows.
The Associated Press noted that news of his hospitalization was confirmed by his publicist who said Haggard is battling the pneumonia in both of his lungs.
The singer was hospitalized last month for the same thing and apologized to his fans for canceling shows then.
Thank you to the fans who came out tonight in riverside! Sadly I'm just not strong enough yet. This man was praying behind my bus and made me realize how much you all care. Thank you so much.
Posted by Merle Haggard on Tuesday, February 2, 2016
As we reported, he also had to postpone multiple dates in December over the issue.
Haggard’s publicist said that his doctors want him to get plenty of rest this time around before taking the stage again.
Some of his canceled March shows have already been rescheduled and the tickets will be honored at a later date. The musician will likely be ready to perform by the time his 79th birthday rolls round on April 6.
Haggard is a pioneer in the country music world and is responsible for hits like “Okie From Muskogee’ and “Mama Tried.”
screenshot from YouTube video