“She Was the Reason Behind the Music: Merle Haggard Reveals the Woman Who Helped Create His Greatest Songs” At a rare and moving appearance at the Country Music Hall of Fame, Merle Haggard opened up about the woman who not only stood beside him—but behind some of his most legendary songs. Bonnie Owens, more than just his wife, was his songwriting partner, his memory keeper, and the silent force behind hits like Mama Tried and Today I Started Loving You Again. What he shared about her role in his life, their love, and their final moment together might just change how you hear his music forever.

Some love songs tell a story from beginning to end. This one starts in the middle — with a heart that thought it had healed, only to realize it never really stopped aching.

Today I Started Loving You Again, written by Merle Haggard and Bonnie Owens in 1968, wasn’t meant to be a chart-topping single. In fact, it was tucked away as the B-side to The Legend of Bonnie and Clyde. But over time, it became one of Merle’s most cherished songs — covered by countless artists and loved by fans who’ve lived through that bittersweet moment when love unexpectedly comes back into your life.

The beauty of the song lies in its simplicity. No grand confessions, no sweeping declarations — just the quiet, undeniable truth that some feelings never fade. Merle delivers it with that familiar mix of grit and tenderness, like a man who’s been humbled by his own heart.

It’s not just about starting to love someone again. It’s about admitting you never really stopped.

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