George Jones: The Passing of a Legend

 Posted by at 12:34 pm on April 26, 2013
Apr 262013
 
photo courtesy of Webster PR

photo courtesy of Webster & Associates LLC

Country Music has lost a legend today.  Country Music Hall of Famer George Jones, known as “The Possum” and “No-Show Jones,” passed away at the age of 81, eight days after being admitted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville with a fever and irregular blood pressure.

Jones was born on September 12, 1931 in Saratoga, TX and is one of the biggest names in all of music history.  As a teenager, Jones would play for tips on the streets of Beaumont, TX before serving in the Marine Corps.  After he served his country, he had his first Top-10 hit in 1955 with “Why Baby Why.”  He went on to have 160 charted singles, which is more than any other artist in any format in the history of popular music.  His first #1 hit was “White Lightning,” which stayed at #1 for 5 weeks in 1959.  He charted 64 top-ten songs over his long career, including the gold standard of Country Music, “He Stopped Loving Her Today,”  which is widely regarded as “The Greatest Country Music Song of All Time.”

“A singer who can soar from a deep growl to dizzying heights, he is the undisputed successor of earlier natural geniuses such as Hank Williams and Lefty Frizzell,” wrote Bob Allen in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s “Encyclopedia of Country Music.”

Jones was married to another country music legend, Tammy Wynette, whom he had several hit duets with before they divorced.  He went on to battle some pretty big demons with drug and alcohol addictions, which spawned many legendary stories, including how he would use his lawnmower to drive to the local bar when his car keys were taken away from him.

Jones was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992, and in 1993, he married Nancy Ford Sepulvado.  He credited her for helping him begin his rehabilitation from drugs and alcohol and prolonging his life.  They remained married until Jones’ death.

Jones nearly died in a car wreck in 1999, but he was able to recover and resume his career.  The accident led to his recording of “Choices,” his last solo performance to chart in the top 30.

Jones is survived by his loving wife of 30 years Nancy Jones, his sister Helen Scroggins, and by his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

I had the honor of seeing George Jones in concert a mere 2 1/2 months before his passing, and wrote this review of his show.

As the news broke, country stars and other celebrities took to social media to express their thoughts and sympathies.  See below for the outpouring of love and support that has been posted today (check back often as we will keep updating throughout the day), starting with this video from Keith Urban:

  • Alabama – We’re very saddened to hear of the death of our amazing friend George Jones.  George was an all time great in country music and it won’t be the same without him.  We’re thankful for his life and we’ll miss him very much.
  • Alan Jackson – Heaven better get ready for George Jones. He will always be the greatest singer of real country music – there’ll never be another.
  • Anita Cochran – In honor of George Jones country radio should play nothing but his music today. Just my opinion.
  • Angaleena Presley (Pistol Annies) – One of my dearest memories: Hanging with Papaw in his flea market fruit stand to the tune of boot legged George Jones tapes. Rest in peace.
  • Ashley Monroe – Wow.. Sweet George SURE will be missed down here.. But I can only imagine the celebration Heaven is having today..
  • Bellamy Brothers – We’re all gonna miss u George, they don’t make voices like yours anymore.  Prayers and Condolences go out to the family of George Jones, one of the greats is gone.
  • Big Kenny – RIP George Jones. A great voice has been added to the choir of angels
  • Billy Dean – George Jones was a mentor and a giant to my generation of country singers. He was there for my first Ralph Emery Show appearance. Backstage I was so nervous and expressed concern to George that if Ralph Emery didn’t like me, my career may never get off the ground. The first thing George said to Ralph when they went on air was how nice of guy he thought I was. George Jones was our country music soul singer, no doubt. Who’s gonna fill those shoes?
  • Billy Gilman – Speechless, just heard George Jones has passed away. Wow, we have lost a legend. Just..wow…
  • Billy Ray Cyrus – I’m stunned and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend George Jones.The very definition of a legend. Thoughts and prayers
  • BJ Thomas – RIP George Jones.  George Jones was a gifted and natural singer whose vocals elicited true emotion from deep within. One of the most influential singer if Singers of his time. A true American voice. Effortless soul that will be missed greatly. BJ.
  • Blake Shelton – Really REALLY bad news. We’ve lost a country music legend. And I’ve lost a hero and a friend. Goodbye George Jones…  Just landed in LA. Listened to “The King Is Gone” and “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” over and over again just like always. Can’t accept it.
  • Brad Paisley – My friend,the greatest singer of all time,has passed.To those who knew him,our lives were full. To those of you who don’t: discover him now.  George Jones‘ life is an example of so many wonderful things; How someone’s God-given gifts can make this a richer, better place. How one human being can overcome adversity, addiction, and life threatening obstacles time and time again. That it is not the stumble or fall that counts, but the willingness to stand again. How a keen sense of humor and a twinkle in a person’s eye can still prevail even after all of life’s hard knocks. How mistakes, missteps, and bad choices are not the end of the world if a person chooses to turn them into something good. And George’s life is above all the strongest example of how the love of a great woman can get a man through anything. All of this made its way beautifully into every note of the greatest voice country music will ever know and one of the greatest friends you could ever have.  We miss you already, George.  -Brad
  • Bradley Gaskin – The Greatest Singer in Country Music is gone. There will never be another GEORGE JONES. He knew how to make us believe a song.   George Jones was a special talent. He is and will always be the true meaning of COUNTRY MUSIC.
  • Brett Eldredge – George Jones was one of the best if not THE best country singers to ever sing it! So sad to lose him! Rest in peace Possum!
  • Bryan White – George Jones will be forever remembered as The King of Country Music. Greatly saddened at the loss of this Huge icon. We will miss him…No one will fill his shoes. George Jones, The Greatest Country Singer that ever lived, will be forever remembered. I was honored to be a label mate with this man and I was honored to call him my friend. Heaven is a better place…Rest in peace Possum
  • Bucky Covington – Thoughts and Prayers for friends and family of George Jones. He is a country music legend.
  • Buddy Jewell – Country music lost one of its greatest treasures today. No one will ever be able to fill those shoes… you were an incredible friend to me. I will miss you George.  Buddy
  • Carrie Underwood – Happy memory of me and George. You may have left us, but your music and your legacy never will.
  • Carter’s Chord – Very saddened to hear of the passing of George Jones today. Would love to hear the music he and Waylon are making together in heaven now.
  • Charlie Daniels – Rest in peace George Jones There will never be another one like you and we’ll miss you a bunch Buddy.
  • Chely Wright – George Jones– Rest In Peace What a life. What a career. What a singer. Thinking of Nancy and all who loved him.
  • Chris Cagle – I would like to offer my condolences to The Jones family and country music community! Rest in Peace George Jones!
  • Chris Young – So sad… We lost an icon today … prayers to his family.
  • Chuck Wicks – George Jones may you rest in peace buddy.
  • Clay Walker – George Jones was an ICON to a lot of singers…especially to me, growing up in his home town…we will miss him:)
  • Clint Black – Very sad farewell to George Jones. Deepest sympathies to Nancy and the family.  I’ve heard, grief is the price we pay for love. We are paying that price again today, losing one of the greatest ever. George Jones. 81
  • Colt Ford – The Country World lost a Legend and more than that a Great Friend and Inspiration to so many including Me. Heaven got a special one today
  • Corey Smith – Rest in peace . Thoughts and prayers with his family. His voice lives on.
  • Cowboy Troy – RIP George Jones..you’ll be missed…
  • Craig Morgan – We will miss our friend Mr George Jones RIP  Nancy and the Jones family are in our prayers
  • Danielle Peck – Saddly today we lost a true country legend that will live on forever in our hearts. Rest in peace George Jones!
  • David Ball – A very sad day for Country Music. Thank you George, for the inspiration.
  • David Nail – RIP George Jones! Glad I got to meet him…
  • Dierks Bentley – man….heartbroken.  Nancy and had a beautiful marriage and special relationship. love you nancy. long live the possum. gonna miss my buddy. real sad.
  • Dolly Parton – My heart is absolutely broken. George Jones was my all time favorite singer and one of my favorite people in the world. My heart goes out to Nancy and the rest of his family.
  • Dustin Lynch – Mr. George Jones thank you for all you’ve done for country music, you taught us all how to sing.
  • Easton Corbin – What a sad day for country music. George Jones was one of my heroes.
  • Eddie Montgomery – DAM! Its a sad day for all styles of music today ! George Jones u showed us country guys how to do it, u live life to the fullest!!!  U lived life the way u wanted to , u sang the song u wanted and how u wanted ,,, A TRUE LEGEND
  • Eli Young Band – RIP George “Possum” Jones
  • Eric Paslay – Thoughts and prayers to George Jones‘ family. A true country legend. We’ll never stop loving you George!
  • Faith Hill – We lost one of the best voices God created this morning. Our hearts are saddened to hear that George Jones has passed away…Our thoughts and prayers are with Nancy and all of the family.
  • Florida Georgia Line – Country music wasn’t the same when he came around and now that he’s gone it won’t be again. RIP George Jones.
  • Frankie Ballard – I remember hearing “white lightning” as a little kid and thinking…WOW whata cool voice…”Dad, did he just hiccup?” Rest well George. George Jones could sing straight into your soul, and break your heart with the slightest inflection. Maybe the most country thing I’ve heard.  If you’re a country singer, and have a gig tonight…sing a George Jones song. And if ya don’t know one, then f-ck you.
  • Gary Allan – I woke up to the sad news this morning that one of the greatest country music legends, George Jones, had passed. I grew up playing all of George Jones’s music. When I started playing bars with my Dad at the age of 12, I sang all his hits, trying to imitate the heartache in his voice. My all-time favorite Jones song was “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” He was a true legend and no one will ever fill his shoes.
  • George Canyon – It’s a sad day in country music. George Jones, you were one of my music heroes and inspirations. The heavenly choir now has one of the best voices God created. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
  • George Strait – He presented me with my Hall of Fame Medallion.It’s a sad day. We became good friends. Ill miss him
  • Gloriana – Sad day for country music. Rest in peace, George Jones.
  • Greg Bates – Sad hearing the news of George Jones. Never met him but I feel like I knew him. We lost a country music hero today.
  • Gretchen Wilson – Country music lost a part of its soul today! We’ll miss you George Jones!
  • Hank Williams Jr. – Sad day in Country music. We’ve lost another piece of history. was not only a good singer, but a good friend. He will be missed!
  • Heidi Newfield – RIP GEORGE JONES. It’s a sad day, indeed!
  • Hillary Scott (Lady Antebellum) – Saddened by the passing of George Jones Sending prayers up for his wife and family Country Music will never be the same.
  • Hunter Hayes – So saddened. Mr Jones, we will forever miss you. So thankful for the lifetime of music we have to hold onto.
  • James Otto – Just heard George Jones passed away. I’m broken hearted. We’ve lost one of country music’s greatest voices. RIP Possum.
  • James Wesley – Thoughts and prayers to George Jones‘s family.
  • Jamey Johnson – Rest in peace George Jones… the world has lost another ledgen
  • Jason Aldean – So sad to hear abt the passing of George Jones. Country music has lost one of our pioneers & legendary icons. You will never be forgotten.
  • Jason Michael Carroll – One of the foundations of country music has passed away. Saddened by the passing of “The Possum” George Jones. Deepest sympathies to Nancy & the family
  • Jay DeMarcus – I can’t believe we’ve lost George Jones. One of the best singers ever, period. Country music will miss you forever… God bless his family..  Literally thousands of Bday wishes, thank y’all so much!!! You’re the best. Bittersweet Bday with the passing of George…
  • Jeff Bates – ONE OF MY HEROES, GEORGE JONES HAS PASSED AWAY!!!  Man! God doesn’t make them like George anymore. I don’t know of a Country singer who’s ever been born who impacted country music more, or a country singer living who hasn’t been influenced to some degree by The Possum.  He and Nancy showed up at the studio when we were recording my “Rainbow Man” album and the first thing he did was to look at Kenny Beard, who was wearing a pair of shorts, and said, “Booger, when did them legs die!!”  Of course KB’s legs WERE white enough to haunt a house! LOL!  Miss Nancy and he sat in the studio while we did vocals and when I came out of the vocal booth and talked to her and George she immediately figured out that we were kin somewhere down the line.  They were great together, she and George, and I know she’s sure gonna miss him!  One thing,s for sure, she loved him and he loved her.  And I can guarantee you He didn’t stop loving her today!  Our prayers go up for Nancy and family and friends.  Rest In Peace George. You earned it!
  • Jerrod Niemann – Gonna miss the unbelievable George Jones. Thanks for so many amazing moments in country music history.
  • Jo Dee Messina – Ugh! Thoughts and prayers go out to the jones family. Such sad news to wake up to. Heavy heart today.
  • Joe Bonsall (Oak Ridge Boys) – The POSSUM has gone Home… 🙁  “Who’s Gonna Fill THOSE shoes?” – he then posted this video tribute
  • Joe Diffie – George Jones. You know when you get to meet your hero and you hope they’re everything you want them to be? Well, George was all that and more. He was kind, generous, humble, funny, loved and treated people in an honest and genuine manner. I count it one of the highlights of my life to have had the chance to hang out with he and Nancy. They treated us like family. I still get a chuckle, thinking of him talking to my daughter in his duck voice, and playing with her. The best country singer, ever. No one will fill his shoes. My prayers and thoughts to Nancy, the children and family.
  • Joe Don Rooney – There was & forever will be, only one – thank you dad for introducing me to George’s music! Incredible!
  • Joe Nichols – Woke up to the news about George Jones. Absolutely Devastated. There will never be another
  • John Michael Montgomery – Dear George Jones, thank you so much for your voice and for showing us how it’s done,u will be missed, sincerely,John Michael
  • John Rich – The world will miss the great A giant has passed on. Proud to say we were true friends. Who’s gonna fill his shoes? Nobody.  Every serious country artist in the past 30 years has some dna in their blood and music. My God. We’ve lost our Elvis.  Spoke with John Anderson today about He said “I saw no less than 300 of his shows sitting on the side of the stage.”   Looking forward to hanging with later today. He’s coming over to share some stories and do a little pickin.
  • Josh Gracin – Sad Day for Country Music (George Jones)
  • Josh Thompson – It’s sad to think most of what’s considered the “country music world” today has no idea of the real talent we just lost. RIP George Jones
  • Josh Turner – I’m shocked & saddened by George Jones’ passing. He was a top-notch vocalist & taught me so much about what the voice can do if u let it. He was a good man, he was passionate about country music, and made me want to be a better artist every time I listened to one of his records. Heaven got a little countrier today. We’ll miss you George!
  • Katie Armiger – SO sad to hear about George Jones. 🙁 I had a show with him last month, and it was a dream to meet such a legend.
  • Keith Anderson – Country Music will never be the same! R.I.P. George Jones……..
  • Keith Urban – If I’m blessed enough to make it there, I look forward to you giving me the grand tour. Rest in peace George Jones!!!!! -KU
  • Kenny Rogers – Sad morning losing the great George Jones. He will always be one of the most amazing singers who ever lived.
  • Kelly Clarkson – Sad to hear about George Jones passing. That man touched a lot of lives with his music. Thanks for setting the bar for the rest of us. #RIPGeorgeJones
  • Kevin Fowler – RIP, George Jones. There will never be another! He was a good man. Here’s his version of Beer, Bait and Ammo.
  • Kix Brooks – Possum, angels got a serious lead singer today – God bless Nancy his loving wife – what a guy- what a voice – that was one hell of a show!
  • Larry the Cable Guy – RIP George Jones. Who’s gonna fill your shoes? You will be missed. Thank you for your awesome music.
  • LeAnn Rimes – So sad we lost “the possum” today. R.I.P George Jones and know we didn’t stop loving you today. You will live on forever in our hearts.
  • Lee Brice – Country music lost a great one today! will be missed…
  • Little Big Town – There will never be another George Jones. You are and always will be country music. Rest in peace.
  • LoCash Cowboys – Our condolences and prayers go out to Nancy and family with the loss of our country Music Grandfather, George Jones. We will miss u! Locash
  • Loretta Lynn – It’s a sad day for country music and a great loss for those of us who knew him. I was blessed to call George my friend. He was one of the best country singers there ever was. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Nancy, and all of his family. It’s a sad, sad day
  • Lorrie Morgan – My heart is heavy today as I’ve lost my friend and idol George Jones.  I had many great times with George and truly he was a great teacher of singing for me. I loved him and will miss him
  • Luke Bryan – George. You will be deeply missed. Thanks for the beautiful memories.
  • Lynyrd Skynyrd – RIP George Jones… They are singin’ in Heaven!
  • Mark Chesnutt – Today just got so bad. My friend George Jones just passed away.  My heart goes out to Nancy and the family. I’m gonna miss him.
  • Mark Wills – Devastated! George Jones has passed away at 81. Praying for Mrs Nancy and the Jones family. 🙁  One of my favorite pictures from my career.
  • Martina McBride – So sad to hear about George Jones . His voice and music will be with us forever. Thoughts go out to all his family, friends and fans.
  • Merle Haggard – The world may have lost the greatest country singer that ever lived
  • Miley Cyrus – God bless Mr. Jones and his family. Especially Mrs.Nancy…. That was family – my fav record I AM WHAT I AM will be on repeat today.
  • Mike Huckabee – I am deeply saddened by the death of my friend and Music legend, George Jones. George was one of those people who touched so many lives with his music and his life and I know I join with countless others in mourning his death and ask that you join me and Janet in praying for Nancy and the rest of his family. I was blessed to have had him on my Fox show and play along with him which will forever be one of the highlights of my life. I grew up listening to him and I have often said that my being a Governor, Presidential candidate of host of a National TV show would not have impressed my Dad, but playing on stage with George Jones sure would have! As much as my being able to play along with the Possum. George had a warmth about him that was laced throughout his music but also exuded from him in person. Although, he had struggles in life , George was a shinning example of someone who could take those struggles, overcome them and be a better person for it. His lovely wife, Nancy was a rock for him and he credited her for saving his life and helping him to cope with the challenges he faced. I was looking forward to being there for his last concert in Nashville later this year, but that will have to wait. I still hope to one day play along side him again, but in that concert, I’ll be playing much better—he already was at the top of his game. His legacy, his music and his influence in Country Music will live on for generations to come.
  • Neal McCoy – We lost a great man today,, but his Music and his Spirit will live forever Go get some Rest now George Jones,,, you deserve it
  • Pam Tillis – It’s so sad to lose on of your heroes. George, you will be missed. This is a sad, sad day.
  • Phil Vassar – RIP . Greatest country singer of all time.
  • Randy Houser – Rest in Peace George Jones. Sad day.
  • Randy Montana – R.I.P. George Jones. Thanks for the songs.
  • Randy Travis – I am very thankful I got to know George. He’s one of the greatest singers that ever lived. I actually loved the man.
  • Ray Scott – There were legendary, iconic, God-gifted country voices.. Then there was George Jones.. The epitome of what our beloved format once was.. Years ago, johnny cash was asked in an interview, “who’s the best country singer”? He replied, “..you mean, besides George Jones???”.
  • Reba McEntire – My prayers go out to Nancy Jones today. Her partner and husband George Jones passed this morning. We’ll miss George very much. RIP.
  • Rebecca Lynn Howard – Country music’s heart is broken this morning. Prayers to Nancy. RIP .
  • Restless Heart – Rip George Jones. One sad day!! Prayers are with the Jones family!
  • Rhett Akins – My first George Jones cassette was “I Am What I Am”. Check out “If Drinkin Don’t Kill Me” and “I’ve Aged Twenty Years In Five” on there
  • Rick Monroe – time for heaven to get “The Grand Tour” I guess God wanted front row seats.
  • Rick Trevino – A very sad day.  We lost a true hero today in the country music world.  We  will miss you George! My prayers are with Georgette and the rest of the Jones family. R.I.P. Possum!
  • Rodney Atkins – Sending prayers & love to Nancy & the whole Jones family & all of ‘s fans & friends. George Jones was a true country music legend
  • Ronnie Milsap – I’m saddened to hear the news that one of the greatest country singers in history has passed. I’ve always loved the music of George Jones. To say we’re going to miss him is an understatement!
  • Sara Evans – So saddened to hear of George Jones’ passing. He was an idol of mine and a true legend! One of the best voices of all time. I will miss him.
  • Sarah Darling –  we will miss you!
  • Sawyer Brown – George Jones–what a character, what an original, what a classic! Rest in Peace, George. Prayers for his family.
  • Scotty McCreery – RIP George Jones. A country music legend who will be truly missed.
  • Shannon Lawson – Damn.
  • Shooter Jennings – Nothing to say except George Jones will be missed. He was an incredible soul, inspiration, friend. Greatest singer of all time.  No one can fill those shoes
  • Steel Magnolia – Mr. George Jones…another legend gone… left us with so many great songs!
  • Steve Gatlin – Will miss George Jones. He was the best. When I first came to Nashville he was one of the first stars I met. He will be missed.  I was honored to get to sing with George and Tammy on “Golden Rings”
  • Steve Holy – Rip George jones
  • Sunny Sweeney – The ultimate loss. Loved you my whole life…a true musical hero. RIP. Now who’s gonna fill YOUR shoes?
  • Tammy Cochran – Rest in peace George Jones. A true country legend. You will be missed.
  • Tanya Tucker – I am numb…a bright light went out this morning. I miss you Possum, my friend…
  • Terri Clark – I just heard that we lost one of our biggest legends in country music today. We will do our best to fill your shoes Mr. George Jones- RIP.  Nobody will fill your shoes George Jones. But we can try by never forgetting the Opry, and the songs made country music great. RIP  The country music community is crying today and mourning the man who epitomized what being a country singer really means.
  • The Band Perry – Country music and the world lost a true legend today… Mr. Jones, you will be greatly missed.
  • The Farm – We truly lost one of the best today.Thanks for all your years of great country music that will live on forever. Rest in Peace George Jones.
  • The Lost Trailers – George thanks for all the killer country music. R.I.P
  • The Oak Ridge Boys – We are devastated this morning … We have lost The Possum… Legend and Friend… RIP George Jones
  • Thompson Square – Such a sad say today. We lost one of the greatest country singers to ever live. Rest in peace George…
  • Tim McGraw – Gone …… George Jones …..man he was country music
  • Toby Keith – George Jones has passed. Damn. Thought he’d live forever. Let’s break out his catalogue and play it all day Godspeed possum and family. – T
  • Trace Adkins – George Jones was my friend, and I loved him. Trace Adkins
  • Tracy Lawrence – I am so saddened by the news of George Jones’ passing.I will always treasure our times together. RIP
  • Trent Tomlinson – Rest in peace George Jones. Truly the best singer to ever do it!!!
  • Trisha Yearwood – The Yearwood/Brooks household is sad today. Rest in peace, George Jones. Our hearts go out to Nancy and family. There are some shoes that just can’t be filled…
  • Troy Aikman – Country music legend George Jones has passed away at 81. “The Possum” was one of my favorites…had the pleasure of meeting him years ago.
  • Tyler Farr – It’s a sad day in country music. George Jones… You will be missed. Thanks for all you gave us through the years.  There will never be another Possum…
  • Uncle Kracker – RIP George Jones. Thank you for everything you’ve given us.
  • Vince Gill – There aren’t words in our language to describe the depth of his greatness.  I’ll miss my kind and generous friend.
  • Whitney Duncan – Just heard about George Jones…RIP to one of the greats of