Merle Haggard Recovering from Lung Surgery

Monday November 10, 2008 09:05 AM EST

Merle Haggard

Rich Pedroncelli/AP

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Yahoo Buzz
• E-mail

"Okie From Muskogee" country singer Merle Haggard is recovering at home after an operation last Monday to remove part of his lung, his rep tells Reuters.

The singer-songwriter, 71, whose lung cancer was only recently diagnosed, said in a statement, "I'm feeling good ... better and better each day. If not for the love and wisdom of my wife [Theresa], I might not be around today."

Haggard's surgery took place at a hospital in Bakersfield, Calif. Tests there revealed that all the affected tissue was removed, according to the musician's spokeswoman.
– Stephen M. Silverman