Country music legend Merle Haggard is preparing to tour again after being hospitalized in Macon for more than a week last month.

“I’m feeling good and ready to get back on the bus,” Haggard said through his publicist. “Thanks to all for their powerful prayers that led to my speedy recovery.”

The singer, dubbed the Okie from Muskogee, said he is rehearsing with his longtime band The Strangers and is looking forward to “playin’ and singin’ again.”

Haggard, 74, fell ill before his concert Jan. 17 at the Macon City Auditorium, which was canceled as he sought treatment for double pneumonia at The Medical Center of Central Georgia.

He checked himself out of the hospital three days later but returned within hours.

Doctors discovered three stomach ulcers and diverticulitis in his esophagus, and removed eight polyps in his colon.

Haggard credited Macon health care workers with probably saving his life.

The tour is set to resume Feb. 28 in Tucson, Ariz., and includes a stop in Macon on April 25 to perform at the auditorium.