Ringo Starr has paid tribute to Merle Haggard, who died following a battle with pneumonia on Wednesday.

Starr said that the country legend "was my brother, my friend. I will miss him."

"God bless Merle Haggard peace and love to all his family. Merle was a hero of mine peace and love," he added.

Tributes for Merle poured in from across the spectrum of celebs, including Kiefer Sutherland.

"Today country music lost a legend. Merle Haggard was truly one of the great singer/songwriters of my generation.

I will miss him," Sutherland wrote.

Arnold Schwarzenegger added his condolences, writing "We've lost a true California renegade.

When Merle Haggard visited me at the Capitol, I was the fan & he was the star. Thinking of his family."