Country legend Merle Haggard [ tickets ], 71, underwent surgery Tuesday (11/4) in Bakersfield, CA, to have a cancerous tumor removed from his lung.

Anonymous sources told the Bakersfield Californian that the tumor was at first thought to be a benign growth, which was initially discovered in May.

A statement released to the Californian by Haggard's publicist said that a biopsy later determined that Haggard had non-small cell lung cancer, "which has a far better cure rate than that of the small (oat) cell cancer.

"The doctors believe they have removed it all, but tests are still ongoing," the statement continued. "One pathologist that reviewed the biopsy noted that very often surgery cures this form of the disease."

In a statement on Haggard's official website, Haggard's wife, Theresa, said, "Merle is recuperating from the surgery and doing better and better each day. I would like to personally thank all of you who took the time to send your love, support, care, concern, and most of all, all of your prayers!"

According to reports Haggard initially refused treatment of the disease, but friends and family convinced him to undergo surgery.