Introduction:
When one speaks of country music, the name Merle Haggard inevitably rises to the forefront. Haggard, often hailed as one of the greatest voices in the genre, built a legacy defined not only by his raw honesty in music but also by the very human struggles that shaped his art. Among those struggles were his marriages—five in total—but none more significant, both musically and emotionally, than his relationship with Bonnie Owens.
Bonnie Owens, a celebrated country singer in her own right and winner of the ACM Female Vocalist of the Year in 1965, married Haggard that same year. More than a partner at home, she was an integral force in his career. Touring with him, caring for his children, and most importantly, serving as his muse and collaborator, Bonnie helped capture the lyrics that would become some of Haggard’s most enduring hits. Haggard himself admitted that songs like Mama Tried and Workin’ Man Blues may never have existed without her diligence in writing down his ideas the moment inspiration struck.
Their creative bond also gave birth to one of country music’s most poignant songs, Today I Started Loving You Again. Haggard revealed that the song was written for Bonnie during a break from a grueling Texas tour. A simple exchange at an airport—where Haggard confessed he was ready to love her again—turned into lyrical magic when Bonnie, with her sharp instincts, recognized it as the seed of a song. That piece went on to become a country standard, recorded by legends including Waylon Jennings, Conway Twitty, and Kenny Rogers, cementing its place in music history.
Though their marriage ended in divorce, their friendship endured in a way few might expect. Haggard often said that it took separating to realize they were not meant to be husband and wife, yet that same realization allowed them to remain lifelong companions. The bond forged through music, respect, and shared history continued long after papers were signed.
The most touching chapter in their story came many years later, shortly before Bonnie’s passing in 2006. Haggard visited her at her home, where she was living with advanced Alzheimer’s. Despite the disease clouding her memory, Bonnie held onto a photograph of the two of them, displayed proudly above her bed. She led Haggard into the room, pointed to the picture, and said softly, “He’s my favorite.” The heartbreaking beauty of that moment—her inability to recognize the man standing beside her, yet instinctively cherishing the memory of him—moved Haggard to tears. Even retelling the story years later, his voice would falter with emotion.
It is moments like these that remind us why Merle Haggard remains such a powerful figure in country music. His songs were never just words and chords; they were lived experiences, woven with pain, joy, regret, and love. The story of Merle and Bonnie stands as a bittersweet testament to the power of music, memory, and enduring connection—a love that, in many ways, outlasted marriage itself.