Following the news of Merle Haggard‘s death on Wednesday (April 6), his 79th birthday, many country stars paid tribute to the icon on social media. One of the most touching remembrances, however, came from Haggard's good friend and sometimes musical partner, Willie Nelson.

In a sweet Facebook post, Nelson shares a photo of the two of them, sitting on a couch and laughing with each other. Above the photo are Haggard's birth and death dates, and below it is a quote from Nelson: "He was my friend, my brother. I will miss him." The post also links to the video for Haggard and Nelson's version of "Pancho & Lefty," the title track of their 1983 collaborative album.

In addition to their Pancho & Lefty album, Haggard and Nelson also collaborated on Django and Jimmie, released last June. Both projects hit No. 1 on the country charts. Additionally, in 1987, the pair put out Seashores of Old Mexico, followed by 2007’s Last of the Breed with Ray Price. Haggard also penned “A Horse Called Music,” the lead track on Nelson’s 2012 album Heroes.

In addition to Nelson, Dierks BentleyTrisha YearwoodJake Owen and more have shared kind words about Haggard's life and legacy.

“He loved everything about life, and he loved that every one of you gave him a chance with his music,” Haggard's son Ben writes. “He wasn’t just a country singer … He was the best country singer that ever lived.”

Remembering Merle Haggard

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