We gotta hand it to Merle Haggard: whether fighting heartbreak or lung cancer, the man doesn’t let little bumps in the trail get him down for long.

The 74-year-old country titan who famously beat lung cancer in 2008 returned to the hospital last month after being diagnosed with double pneumonia. While recovering from the treatment, along with the removal of three stomach ulcers and eight colon polyps,  Haggard announced that he’s “ready to get back on the bus,” according to a statement issued earlier this week.

“Thanks to all for their powerful prayers that led to my speedy recovery,” Haggard said. “I’m rehearsing with the band and looking forward to playin’ and singin’ again.” Merle’s tour will resume on 2/28 at Tucson, AZ’s Fox Theatre.

Last October Haggard made a diagnosis of his own, warning the modern music scene that it may be infected with “Too Much Boogie Woogie.” Listen to the track from his new album, Working In Tennessee, below, then take a gander at the rest of his revised tour dates on Merle’s website.