DURANT, OK – Country fans are in mourning after legend Merle Haggard passed away Wednesday morning at his home in Redding, California.

Over the years, the country music pioneer has played several concerts in Texoma, including Ardmore in November.

Haggard was set to perform in front of a sold out crowd this June at the Choctaw Casino and Resort.

KTEN spoke with some of his Texoma admirers, who spoke about the legacy the country powerhouse left behind.

Spanning generations, country legend Merle Haggards music has touched the hearts and souls of millions.

"Mainly the words (lyrics), they mean something,” said fan, Tia Hickman.

Early Wednesday, Haggard passed away of pneumonia on his 79th birthday.

It was devastating news to those who loved him, including one of his number one fans, 60-year old Paula McCain.

"I was so upset,” said McCain.

McCain has seen Haggard in concert three times in Texoma, her fourth time would have been this June at the Choctaw Event Center.

"I knew he was sick, but I was hoping he would get better, because I was looking forward to seeing him," she said.

A voice for the working man and outsider, Haggard was more than just a singer songwriter to his admirers; he was a friend that lifted their spirits through his music.

McCain first discovered and fell in love with Haggards music thanks to her father.

"That’s all he listened to, and the rest of the family, so we kind of grew up with it," said McCain.

Merle Haggard was born near Bakersfield California in 1937.

Before making his mark in the country music world, with hits like 'Okie from Muskogee' and 'Sing Me Back Home' the country pioneer had a rough start in life, he even went to prison for burglary at the age of 21.

It’s those kinds of experiences and more that he wrote about in his music, tunes relatable to his followers.

“He sings country music like it is,” said McCain.

Haggards recorded nearly 40 number one country singles over his fifty plus year career span.

One of his songs even has ties to Texoma.

Back in 1999 he sang with local songwriter and Tishomingo business owner, Roger Springer.

And while the country legend may have passed, to his fans he will live on forever through his music.

"Rest in peace Merle," said McCain.

Choctaw Casino and Resort released a statement on Wednesday, saying they are saddened to hear the news about the country music legends passing.

If you were planning on attending Haggards concert in June, Choctaw Casino and Resort will update ticket holders as soon as they have more information.

The full statement is below:

Durant, Okla. (April 6, 2016)—The executive management team at Choctaw Casino Resort provides the following statement:

“We were saddened to hear the news about Merle Haggard. We lost a friend and an American country music icon. Mr. Haggard’s concert in June at the Grand Theater with Marty Stuart was sold out. We will update ticket holders as soon as we have more information to share in regards to this sold out show."

Choctaw Casino Resort - Durant