Merle Haggard on the mend, back home

By April MacIntyre Nov 9, 2008, 23:59 GMT

Merle Haggard, courtesy of official website

Iconic country singer Merle Haggard has been released from the hospital post surgery.

Mr. Haggard's publicist Tresa Redburn told Monsters and Critics this afternoon that Merle arrived home five days after having lung surgery in a Bakersfield hospital last Monday morning.

Redburn shared that it was discovered during a previous biopsy that Mr. Haggard had non-small cell lung cancer, which has a far better cure rate than the small (oat) cell cancer.

"At this time, tests show that they were able to eliminate the affected tissue when they removed the upper lobe of his right lung. Upon waking up after the surgery, Hag opened his eyes, yodeled and smiled. Haggard’s post-operation progress was so rapid and successful he was discharged on Saturday night," said Redburn.

“Due to the surgeon, Dr. Peck, the Tylenol pushers on the fourth floor of the Memorial Hospital, and most of all, my wife Theresa, I’m feeling good…better and better each day,” said Merle Haggard. “If not for the love and wisdom of my wife, I might not be around today.”

Mr. Haggard added, “I’d sure like to know who controls the largest shares of Tylenol. God forbid it be the oil companies!”

Mr. Haggard and his family are respectfully asking for privacy at this time. Your prayers and good thoughts would be very much appreciated.