No one would dare argue the immense influence that Merle Haggard had on country music, and the incredible legacy that he leaves behind. Following the news of his death on Wednesday (April 6) -- also his 79th birthday -- tributes from fellow country stars began pouring in.

"Literally just fell to the floor," Dierks Bentley writes; Trisha Yearwood says, "One of a kind, and the definition of legend." Jason Aldean shared a photo of himself with "the Hag," but perhaps one of the most touching messages came from Jake Owen -- or, rather, his daughter Pearl.

"Just told my little girl that Merle Haggard has passed away and gone to heaven," Owen shares. "She said, 'That's okay daddy, we will get to heaven too.'"

Flip through the photo gallery above to read more artists' remembrances of the country icon.

Remembering Merle Haggard

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