How Toby Keith Saved Merle Haggard’s Dignity at His Final Show

It's been nearly three years since Merle Haggard last appeared in Cedar Rapids, but his final show came just two months ago. Merle was very sick at the time but knowing others were depending on him for a paycheck, he tried to answer the call. It was Toby Keith who would come to Merle's rescue.

Little did we know when Hag came to Cedar Rapids in June of 2013 that it would be his final appearance in the City of Five Seasons. A near-sellout crowd filled the Paramount Theatre for the show, loved by the fans and a reviewer from the Cedar Rapids Gazette.

Two months ago, it was a very different Hag who did his final concert. Merle was in very poor health, struggling with the health issue that would eventually take his life. A music icon who would be rescued, if you will, by Toby Keith.

Well done Toby Keith and rest easy Merle. The Strangers will be fine, but they'll miss you and so will the fans. Your music will live on forever. #RIP