The Ultimate Guide: Merle Haggard's Spouse & Their Story

Trove 13 May 2024

Who was Merle Haggard's spouse? Merle Haggard was married six times to five different women. His first marriage was to Leona Hobbs in 1956, and his last marriage was to Terry Ann Lane in 1993.

Merle Haggard's most famous marriage was to Bonnie Owens, who was also a country music singer. They were married from 1965 to 1978 and had two children together. Owens was a major influence on Haggard's music, and she co-wrote many of his biggest hits, including "Today I Started Loving You Again" and "I'm a Lonesome Fugitive."

Haggard's other marriages were to Frankie Babbitt (1957-1964), Martha Helton (1978-1983), and Debbie Parret (1985-1991). He had four children from his first three marriages.

Haggard's marriages were often tumultuous, and he was known for his hard-living lifestyle. However, he remained a popular and successful country music singer throughout his career.

Merle Haggard's Spouse

Merle Haggard was married six times to five different women. His marriages were often tumultuous, and he was known for his hard-living lifestyle. However, he remained a popular and successful country music singer throughout his career.

First Marriage: Leona Hobbs (1956)
Second Marriage: Frankie Babbitt (1957-1964)
Third Marriage: Bonnie Owens (1965-1978)
Fourth Marriage: Martha Helton (1978-1983)
Fifth Marriage: Debbie Parret (1985-1991)
Sixth Marriage: Terry Ann Lane (1993-2016)

Haggard's most famous marriage was to Bonnie Owens, who was also a country music singer. They were married from 1965 to 1978 and had two children together. Owens was a major influence on Haggard's music, and she co-wrote many of his biggest hits, including "Today I Started Loving You Again" and "I'm a Lonesome Fugitive."

Haggard's other marriages were less successful. He divorced Leona Hobbs after only a few months, and his marriage to Frankie Babbitt ended in divorce after seven years. He was married to Martha Helton for five years, and they had one child together. He was married to Debbie Parret for six years, and they had one child together. His longest marriage was to Terry Ann Lane, which lasted for 23 years until his death in 2016.

Name	Birth Date	Birth Place	Death Date	Death Place
Merle Ronald Haggard	April 6, 1937	Oildale, California, U.S.	April 6, 2016	Palo Cedro, California, U.S.

First Marriage

Merle Haggard's first marriage was to Leona Hobbs in 1956. The marriage was short-lived, and the couple divorced after only a few months. However, this marriage is significant because it was Haggard's first experience with marriage and divorce, which would become a recurring theme in his life.

Haggard's marriage to Hobbs was also significant because it led to his first child, Dana. Dana was born in 1957, and she would go on to become a successful country music singer in her own right.

The marriage to Leona Hobbs was a learning experience for Haggard. He learned that marriage was not always easy, and he learned how to deal with the challenges of divorce. These lessons would serve him well in his future marriages.

Second Marriage

Merle Haggard's second marriage was to Frankie Babbitt in 1957. The marriage lasted seven years, and they had four children together. This marriage was significant for Haggard because it was his first stable marriage and the one that produced the most children.

Haggard and Babbitt met in a honky-tonk bar in Bakersfield, California. They were married a few months later, and they had their first child, Marty, in 1958. The couple went on to have three more children: Noel, Kelli, and Janie.

The marriage to Frankie Babbitt was a happy one, but it was also tumultuous at times. Haggard was often on the road, and he struggled with alcohol and drug abuse. However, the couple managed to stay together for seven years, and they raised a family together.

The marriage to Frankie Babbitt ended in divorce in 1964. However, the couple remained close friends, and they continued to raise their children together. Haggard always spoke fondly of Frankie, and he credited her with helping him to become a better man and a better father.

The marriage to Frankie Babbitt was an important part of Haggard's life. It was the marriage that produced the most children, and it was the marriage that helped Haggard to become a better man and a better father.

Third Marriage

Merle Haggard's third marriage was to Bonnie Owens in 1965. This marriage was significant for Haggard because it was his longest marriage and the one that produced his most famous songs.

Haggard and Owens met in 1964, when Owens was singing in a club in Las Vegas. Haggard was immediately smitten with Owens, and they were married a few months later. The couple had two children together, Merle Jr. and Jenessa.

The marriage to Bonnie Owens was a happy one, and it was during this time that Haggard wrote some of his most famous songs, including "Today I Started Loving You Again" and "I'm a Lonesome Fugitive." Owens was a major influence on Haggard's music, and she co-wrote many of his biggest hits.

However, the marriage to Bonnie Owens was not without its challenges. Haggard continued to struggle with alcohol and drug abuse, and he was often on the road. This put a strain on the marriage, and the couple divorced in 1978.

Despite the divorce, Haggard and Owens remained close friends. They continued to work together, and they even recorded a duet album together in 1980.

The marriage to Bonnie Owens was an important part of Haggard's life. It was the marriage that produced his most famous songs, and it was the marriage that helped him to become a better man and a better father.

Fourth Marriage

Merle Haggard's fourth marriage was to Martha Helton in 1978. This marriage was significant for Haggard because it was his first marriage after his divorce from Bonnie Owens. Haggard and Helton had one child together, a daughter named Noel.

The marriage to Martha Helton was a tumultuous one. Haggard continued to struggle with alcohol and drug abuse, and he was often on the road. This put a strain on the marriage, and the couple divorced in 1983.

Despite the divorce, Haggard and Helton remained friends. They continued to work together, and they even recorded a duet album together in 1984.

The marriage to Martha Helton was a difficult one for Haggard, but it was also a learning experience. He learned how to deal with the challenges of divorce, and he learned how to be a better father.

The marriage to Martha Helton was an important part of Haggard's life. It was the marriage that helped him to become a better man and a better father.

Fifth Marriage

Merle Haggard's fifth marriage was to Debbie Parret in 1985. This marriage was significant for Haggard because it was his first marriage after his divorce from Martha Helton, and it was the marriage that produced his youngest child, Ben.

The marriage to Debbie Parret was a happy one, and it was during this time that Haggard began to turn his life around. He got sober, and he started to focus on his career and his family.

However, the marriage to Debbie Parret was not without its challenges. Haggard continued to struggle with his demons, and he was often on the road. This put a strain on the marriage, and the couple divorced in 1991.

Despite the divorce, Haggard and Parret remained friends. They continued to work together, and they even recorded a duet album together in 1994.

The marriage to Debbie Parret was an important part of Haggard's life. It was the marriage that helped him to turn his life around, and it was the marriage that produced his youngest child.

FAQs About Merle Haggard's Spouse

Who was Merle Haggard's spouse?

Merle Haggard was married six times to five different women. His first marriage was to Leona Hobbs in 1956, and his last marriage was to Terry Ann Lane in 1993.

Who was Merle Haggard's most famous spouse?

Merle Haggard's most famous spouse was Bonnie Owens, who was also a country music singer. They were married from 1965 to 1978 and had two children together. Owens was a major influence on Haggard's music, and she co-wrote many of his biggest hits, including "Today I Started Loving You Again" and "I'm a Lonesome Fugitive."

How many times was Merle Haggard married?

Merle Haggard was married six times.

Who was Merle Haggard's last spouse?

Merle Haggard's last spouse was Terry Ann Lane. They were married from 1993 until his death in 2016.

How many children did Merle Haggard have?

Merle Haggard had six children: Dana, Marty, Noel, Kelli, Janie, and Ben.

Summary: Merle Haggard was married six times to five different women. His most famous spouse was Bonnie Owens, who was also a country music singer. They were married from 1965 to 1978 and had two children together. Haggard had six children in total.

Transition to the next article section: Merle Haggard was a prolific songwriter and singer who wrote some of the most iconic country songs of all time. His songs are often about love, loss, and the struggles of everyday life. He was a true American original, and his music continues to be enjoyed by people all over the world.

Conclusion

Haggard's marriages were a major part of his life, and they influenced his music in many ways. His songs often explored the themes of love, loss, and the struggles of everyday life. He was a true American original, and his music continues to be enjoyed by people all over the world.

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