Country legend Merle Haggard says he got the best Christmas present anyone could ask for this year. He was thrilled to learn that he was officially declared cancer-free.

According to a report from the Post Chronicle, Merle Haggard--also known as the "Okie from Muskogee" from his song of the same name--was first diagnosed with cancer back in 2008 and had a portion of one of his lungs removed.

Haggard caused his fans to panic, in recent months, when he canceled a series of shows back in September. Many feared that his cancer had returned and that their beloved country singer and songwriter was approaching the last of his days.

That was not to be, however, and just a couple of weeks before Christmas Merle Haggard got the results of some earlier tests which declared him to be cancer-free. What a relief this must have been to Mr. Haggard as well as to his family members, friends and fans. This is a huge fete, especially after suffering from lung cancer which often isn't one of the cancers that is easily beaten.

Merle Haggard is 73 years old and is an accomplished guitarist, country singer and songwriter from California. He was instrumental in helping create what is known as the Bakersfield Sound that introduced Fender Telecaster guitars to country music.

Haggard is known for hit songs, including "Okie from Muskogee" and "The Fightin' Side of Me." The legendary singer was honored at the Kennedy Center Honors along with Paul McCartney and Oprah Winfrey.

How wonderful for Merle that he received the best Christmas gift ever by being declared cancer-free. May he fully enjoy this new lease on life he's been afforded and share his blessing with the world through his amazing gift of music.