The Most Heartbreaking Celebrity Deaths Of 2016

Merle Haggard

In a cruel turn of events, Merle Haggard’s 79th birthday present was his last breath on April 6, 2016. Ironically, his son shared with the press that Merle had predicted his own death saying that he was going to pass on his birthday, and so he did. As one of the most famous country music stars to walk the Earth, Merle Haggard’s loss was devastating.

In 2015 Haggard was hospitalized for pneumonia and had to cancel tour dates as a result in both December and January. Following the cancellations, Merle had a serious heart-to-heart with his family who had requested he stop touring altogether but he still had faith that he had the strength to return to the stage. After playing a few shows in early 2016, Merle finally addressed his fading career and spent his last remaining months with his family and friends.