“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
When the final haunting notes of “He Stopped Loving Her Today” resonated through the Grand Ole Opry on May 2, 2013, the audience sat in collective emotional silence. Alan Jackson, standing tall yet visibly shaken, had just delivered one of the most soul-stirring musical tributes in country music history at George Jones’ funeral.
The bond between these two country legends wasn’t just professional—it was a friendship that spanned 25 years of mutual respect and admiration. Their musical journey together began in 1994 when Jackson made a special appearance on Jones’ “The Bradley Barn Sessions,” lending his voice to “A Good Year for the Roses.” But their most unforgettable moment came during the 1999 CMA Awards, when Jackson boldly interrupted his own “Pop a Top” performance to sing Jones’ “Choices”—a powerful act of loyalty after the CMA had refused to let Jones perform his full song during the broadcast.
“The Possum,” as fans lovingly called Jones, left this world on April 26, 2013, at 81 years old after being hospitalized at Vanderbilt University Medical Center with complications from fever and irregular blood pressure. His funeral service at the Grand Ole Opry was broadcast live, allowing his worldwide fanbase to join in mourning the loss of what many consider country music’s greatest voice ever.
The service featured heartfelt eulogies from former First Lady Laura Bush, journalist Bob Schieffer, Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, and the legendary Charlie Daniels. Musical tributes poured in from country royalty—Vince Gill, Wynonna Judd, Patty Loveless, Travis Tritt, the Oak Ridge Boys, and Kenny Chesney all honored their fallen friend. But it was Alan Jackson who received the profound honor of closing the service with Jones’ signature song, widely acknowledged as one of country music’s greatest masterpieces.
Jackson’s performance was breathtaking in its emotional authenticity. Without fanfare or introduction, he simply walked onto the stage and began singing, his voice carrying the weight of collective grief. His delivery honored Jones’ distinctive vocal style while remaining true to his own sound. The cameras captured Jones’ widow Nancy in the front row, tears streaming down her face as Jackson sang the song that defined her husband’s legendary career.
The most gut-wrenching moment arrived during the final verse. As Jackson sang those last emotional lines, he slowly removed his iconic cowboy hat and placed it over his heart—a simple yet profoundly moving gesture of respect for his mentor and friend. The audience rose in unison, applauding through their tears, united in both sorrow and appreciation for the perfect tribute Jackson had just delivered.
Following Jones’ passing, Jackson had told reporters, “Well, heaven better get ready for some great country music. While George was known for his wild and crazy days, I’ve known him for 25 years as a friend. He had grown into a real good man. Of course, he will always be the greatest singer and interpreter of real country music—there’ll never be another.”
This performance embodied everything sacred about country music: raw honesty, genuine emotion, deep respect for tradition, and the transcendent power of a song to express what mere words cannot. In a genre built on storytelling from the heart, Jackson beautifully narrated the final chapter of Jones’ story with dignity and heartfelt reverence.
The Grand Ole Opry later released footage of this performance, allowing fans worldwide to experience this powerful moment again and again. It stands as living testimony to George Jones’ enduring legacy and the profound bonds of friendship that unite the country music family.
In true country fashion, Jackson let the music speak volumes—exactly how George would have wanted it. And in doing so, he created a moment that will forever be etched in the annals of country music history, reminding us why these songs and these artists touch our souls so deeply.
Video
Lyrics
He said, “I’ll love you till I die”
She told him, “You’ll forget in time”
As the years went slowly by
She still preyed upon his mind
He kept her picture on his wall
Went half crazy now and then
But he still loved her through it all
Hoping she’d come back again
Kept some letters by his bed
Dated 1962
He had underlined in red
Every single, I love you
I went to see him just today
Oh, but I didn’t see no tears
All dressed up to go away
First time I’d seen him smile in years
He stopped loving her today
They placed a wreath upon his door
And soon they’ll carry him away
He stopped loving her today
You know, she came to see him one last time (ooh)
Ah, and we all wondered if she would (ooh)
And it kept runnin’ through my mind (ooh)
“This time he’s over her for good”
He stopped loving her today
They placed a wreath upon his door
And soon they’ll carry him away
He stopped loving her today