Country giant Merle Haggard, died today, on his birthday.
Rob Waloschuk, promoter of Dauphin's Countryfest, says it's sad news to hear.
"We just want to extend our best wishes and prayers to his family and associates, and we were as shocked and saddened as anybody is today. We will deal with the business side of it in the days to come but right now we're just grieving like anyone else."
Haggard was to perform at this year's Countryfest. Waloschuk says they will keep people informed, but "first and foremost it's about Merle today."
Haggard, who was 79, was inducted into the country music hall of fame in 1994. His manager says he died of pneumonia.
