Merle Haggard finally beats pneumonia

Merle Haggard is finally past a case of double pneumonia that forced him to cancel his shows in January and put him in the hospital twice. While hospitalized, doctors found he was also suffering from ulcers, esophageal diverticulitis and polyps in his colon.

Now that he is on the mend, he's raging to get back out on tour and will pick things up on February 28 in Tuscon, AZ, February 29 in Anaheim, CA and March 1 in San Diego, CA.

Merle issued a statement on Wednesday, saying "I’m feeling good and ready to get back on the bus. Thanks to all for their powerful prayers that led to my speedy recovery. I’m rehearsing with the band and looking forward to playin’ and singin’ again."