We're wishing a speedy recovery to Merle Haggard, who was hospitalized in Macon, Ga., Tuesday night (Jan. 17). According to Nashville's WSMV-TV, the 74-year-old country icon fell ill prior to a scheduled performance and was rushed to a local hospital.

Merle's tour manager, Frank Mull, confirms to the Ledger-Enquirer that the singer had been sick since leaving his California home last week. However, details regarding the illness have not been disclosed. His scheduled show tonight (Jan. 18) in Columbus has been canceled.

Back in August, the 'Okie from Muskogee' singer was forced to postpone several concerts for an undisclosed medical issue, after being taken to a hospital in Ft. Worth, Texas. He was also sidelined in late 2010 due to a respiratory ailment. The resilient entertainer beat lung cancer in 2008.

Merle's next scheduled tour date is Jan. 19 in Paducah, Ky. However, there are conflicting reports on whether or not that show will go on. Get updates on the legend's concert schedule here.

Watch Merle Haggard's 'America First' Video


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