Introduction:
In the world of country music, few names carry the same weight and authenticity as Merle Haggard. His voice, both rugged and tender, became the soundtrack of working-class America — the voice of the drifter, the laborer, and the dreamer. Known as “The Hag,” he was a man who lived through hardship, heartbreak, and redemption, and he turned each of those chapters into unforgettable songs. Yet behind the fame, behind the stage lights, there was a story of love — a story that remained close to his heart until the very end: his bond with his second wife, Bonnie Owens.
Merle Haggard and Bonnie Owens married in 1965, during one of the most creatively fruitful periods of Haggard’s life. Bonnie, an accomplished singer herself and winner of the 1965 ACM Female Vocalist of the Year, wasn’t just his wife — she was his partner in every sense of the word. Together, they built a life that intertwined music and family. She toured with him, helped care for his children from his previous marriage, and encouraged his songwriting when inspiration struck at all hours. Haggard often credited Bonnie for being the unseen force behind some of his most celebrated hits, including “Mama Tried” and “Workin’ Man Blues.”
He once recalled that whenever he hinted at writing, Bonnie was ready — pen and pad in hand — making sure not a single lyric slipped away. “If it wasn’t for her,” Merle said, “there wouldn’t have been a ‘Mama Tried’ or ‘Workin’ Man Blues.’” That collaboration also gave birth to one of his most enduring songs, “Today I Started Loving You Again.” Written during a brief break from a long Texas tour, the song was inspired by a simple, heartfelt moment between them at the Los Angeles airport. When Merle told Bonnie, “Today I started loving you again,” she replied like the true professional she was: “That sounds like a great song title.” Moments later, that casual remark became country music history.
Though their marriage ended in 1978, their friendship never did. Haggard later reflected that the divorce helped them realize they were not meant to be husband and wife — but that realization made room for a deeper, lifelong friendship. Even after their separation, they shared an unbreakable bond built on respect, music, and memories that only they understood.
When Bonnie Owens’ health declined years later, Haggard remained by her side. In one of the most emotional moments of his life, he visited her shortly before she passed away in 2006. She had been battling Alzheimer’s, and yet, in a moment that could bring anyone to tears, she led Merle to her room and pointed to a photo of the two of them hanging above her bed. With childlike sincerity, she looked at the image and said softly, “He’s my favorite.” She no longer recognized him as the man standing before her — but her heart remembered.
It’s a scene that captures the beauty and the tragedy of their story: two souls forever linked by music and love, even as memory faded away. Merle Haggard’s music often spoke of life’s raw truths — of loss, forgiveness, and the enduring power of love. In his final reflection on Bonnie, that truth became heartbreakingly real.
For fans of classic country, this story isn’t just about Merle Haggard and Bonnie Owens. It’s a timeless reminder of what country music has always done best — telling real stories about real people, with all the heart, pain, and grace that make us human.