Introduction:
In a poignant and heartfelt moment captured at a Country Music Hall of Fame forum, Merle Haggard opened up about the profound influence Bonnie Owens had on his life, career, and songwriting. His words painted a vivid portrait of a muse, a partner, and a lasting friend — a woman whose unwavering support helped give rise to some of Haggard’s most iconic songs.
Haggard recalled a particularly fertile period of songwriting that followed his marriage to Owens. “If I even indicated I was going to write,” he said, “she was there with a pad and a pen.” Bonnie Owens wasn’t just a bystander to Haggard’s creative process; she was a vital part of it. Her attentive ear and steady hand helped capture the lyrics to classics like Mama Tried and Workin’ Man Blues — songs that might never have been fully realized without her presence.
Among the most touching anecdotes was the origin of “Today I Started Loving You Again,” a ballad that has become one of Haggard’s most beloved compositions. The song was born out of a moment of reflection during a grueling tour. As they landed at the Los Angeles airport after nine days on the road, Haggard told Owens, “We haven’t had much time to say hello.” He added, “Today I’ll start loving you again,” to which she immediately responded, “What an idea for a song.” Weeks later, in a motel room in Dallas after a long and eventful night, the song poured out of him — scrawled on the back of a paper bag while Owens fetched him a hamburger.
This wasn’t just a fleeting burst of inspiration; the song would go on to become a cornerstone of Haggard’s royalties, a testament to its lasting power. Remarkably, Haggard originally gave Bonnie half of the rights to the song, and following their divorce, she ended up with even more. Yet, there was no bitterness in his voice — only respect and deep affection. He noted that even his children identified closely with Owens and loved her deeply.
Though their romantic relationship came to an end, their bond endured. Haggard described how they forged a friendship that lasted until her death. He recalled visiting her in a care home as she battled Alzheimer’s. Even in her final years, Owens’s love for him was evident. Taking him by the arm, she led him to her room, where a photograph of the two of them hung above her bed. She looked at him and said, “He’s my favorite,” a line Haggard delivered with quiet emotion.
Merle Haggard’s story is not just one of musical genius, but also of profound human connection. Bonnie Owens was more than a collaborator — she was a cornerstone of his heart and history, her spirit forever etched into the lyrics and legacy of country music.