Merle Haggard Plans Return to the Stage After Illness

Merle Haggard is on the mend following his hospitalization last month. The country legend will resume his tour schedule Feb. 28 in Tucson, Ariz.

"I'm feeling good and ready to get back on the bus," he said in a statement. "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."

The 74-year-old has been hospitalized for nearly a week with double pneumonia, as well as three stomach ulcers and eight polyps in his colon. Due to the illness, he was forced to cancel tour stops in Macon, Ga.; Columbus, Ga.; Paducah, Ky.; Lola, Miss.; Ft. Worth, Texas; and Tulsa, Okla. Those dates will be rescheduled for April, with exact dates to be announced soon.

"Thanks to all the wonderful people all over the world that prayed their special prayers. I'm a new man," the 'Mama Tried' singer writes on his website. "Another special thanks to the folks of Macon, Ga., for their kindness, intelligence and probably saving my life."

Merle flew home on Jan. 26 to Redding, Calif., where he has been recuperating ever since. Get a full list of the country icon's tour dates here.