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It's a sad start to the weekend for Miranda Lambert, who received some heartbreaking news earlier today.

"My dog died thursday," she Tweeted. "My parents just told me. Headed now to bury my friend of 20 years."

Dog Dixie's passing is another recent setback for the star, who also lost her best friend and father-in-law recently. The country singer has always been a vocal animal lover, often raving about her dogs Delta, Delilha, Jessi, Waylon, Virginia Bluebell, Black Betty and Cher, and this sudden loss seems to have hit her hard.

"I hope what they say is right," she wrote in a follow-up Tweet. "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger."

As she mourns her beloved pet, Lambert's Twitter fans have rallied around her, Tweeting messages of support – and they haven't gone unnoticed.

"Thanks for the prayers," she added.

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