The country music legend, who rose from a scuffling early life through songs about outlaws and underdogs, had been battling pneumonia for months, his manager has confirmed.
Haggard, who also fought lung cancer in 2008, had recently cancelled April tour dates due to illness and hoped to return to the road in May.
His son, Ben, who played guitar in Haggard's band, wrote in a Facebook post:
"A week ago dad told us he was gonna pass on his birthday, and he wasn't wrong. A hour ago he took his last breath surrounded by family and friends. He loved everything about life and he loved that everyone of you gave him a chance with his music. He wasn't just a country singer.. He was the best country singer that ever lived."
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