Introduction:
Few voices in country music have resonated as deeply and truthfully as Merle Haggard’s. Often called “The Poet of the Common Man,” Haggard’s storytelling came from a life hard-lived—marked by time behind bars, musical triumphs, personal heartbreaks, and a raw authenticity that defined his songs. But behind the fame, awards, and legacy lies a lesser-known, deeply touching chapter in his life—his enduring bond with his ex-wife, Bonnie Owens. Their love story, collaboration, and final moments together paint one of the most poignant pictures in country music history.
Merle Haggard married Bonnie Owens in 1965—the same year she was named the Academy of Country Music’s Female Vocalist of the Year. More than a spouse, Bonnie was his musical muse, creative partner, and emotional backbone during one of the most prolific periods of his songwriting career. According to Merle, she was always there—pad and pen in hand—ready to capture his words before they escaped the air. In fact, it was her steady support that helped shape hits like “Mama Tried” and “Working Man Blues.” Without her, Merle once admitted, those songs might not have existed at all.
Their collaboration reached a beautiful crescendo with the creation of “Today I Started Loving You Again.” After a long stretch of touring in Texas, the couple returned home briefly. Standing in the Los Angeles airport, Merle turned to Bonnie and softly said, “Today I started loving you again.” Her immediate response? “What a great idea for a song.” That moment of connection—pure, simple, and deeply human—turned into one of country music’s most beloved tracks. Though it never topped the charts upon release, the song’s emotional depth led to countless covers by legends like Waylon Jennings, Conway Twitty, and Kenny Rogers.
Years later, even after divorce, Merle and Bonnie maintained a lasting friendship. Haggard once said it took their divorce to realize they were never meant to be married—but they were always meant to be close. That closeness endured until Bonnie’s passing in 2006, after years of battling Alzheimer’s.
In what might be the most heartbreaking recollection of their story, Merle described his final visit to Bonnie. She led him quietly down to her room, where a large photo of them together hung above her bed. Pointing to the image, she said with childlike sincerity, “He’s my favorite,” not realizing it was Merle standing beside her. That moment—tender, tragic, and unforgettable—left the seasoned country legend visibly shaken in interviews.
Stories like these are why Merle Haggard’s legacy lives on—not just through radio waves and awards, but in the honest human experiences behind the music. It’s a reminder that great songs come from great stories. And Merle and Bonnie’s is one for the ages.