Doris W., 75, Richmond, IN

Doris, 75, is a huge Merle Haggard fan and wished to meet him in person.  Grandmother to eight and great-grandmother to twelve, Doris was “thunderstruck the first time I heard him sing and saw him perform.  That was 1964 and I still feel the same way every time I listen to him sing and see his picture.  To meet him in person would be the crowning glory of my life.”  Thanks to Sunny Hilden who helped orchestrate this wish, Doris spent Friday, April 13th with Merle Haggard before his show at the Belterra Casino in Florence, IN.   Doris and her friend were backstage with Merle all afternoon, listened to the sound check and saw him perform from nearly front row seats!  Doris, who just celebrated her 75th birthday, said “Even though I just turned 75, I feel like I’m 18 again!”  Pictured, Merle Haggard with Doris Ward.