It's a sad day in the world of country music today. We all awoke to the news that no one wanted to hear, that the legendary George Jones, "The Possum", has passed away. Country music has lost it's Elvis, it's King, one of it's most well known and deepest loved inspirations. George left his mark on not only country artists but on fans and celebrities of other fields as well. Here are some of the sentiments that we've seen today from those who loved George. Feel free to leave your own sentiment in the comments below and say your own personal goodbye to George. Thank you George for your love of tradition, your determination not to waiver in that tradition and for passing the lessons of what real country is about to those who loved you and love country music. Rest in peace, you've earned it. Go hug Tammy, blame it all on Waylon, have a talk with Johnny and say hello and thank you to the other legends up there that have made country what it is today, a legacy and a religion.
Mark Wills - "The first 8-tracks that I owned were recordings by Conway Twitty and George Jones. Long before my career got started, I was at a concert (Travis Tritt's homecoming show) and George Jones performed. I sat there and sang along to every word that George sang. A lady, who sat in front of me, turned around and said, 'do you know George Jones' music?' When my reply was, 'heck yeah,' she introduced herself; it was his wife, Nancy. Nancy brought me backstage that night to introduce me to George. That was three years before I signed my record deal and we've remained friends and stayed in touch since then. Right or wrong, in good times and in bad, people loved George Jones--he made an impression. His music is his legacy and he will not only be remembered as the best country singer this world will ever know, but a great man that we all will truly miss."
Lorrie Morgan -"Country music lost an icon today and I have lost a dear and beloved friend. With tear-filled eyes, I'm reminiscing this morning about all that I learned from and loved about George Jones. He was part of my 'country music education;' he made country music history and, in my opinion, George Jones is a song's best friend. No one will leave an imprint on my life like George did."
Travis Tritt - "I am just devastated by the news that George Jones has passed away! The music world has lost one of the most original and innovative talents that the world has ever known. I feel such a personal loss of not only one of the greatest vocal influences of my life, but also I've lost a dear friend. Visits with George have always been full of joy and laughter. Every time I would see him, George would always greet me with a funny story or a joke! His legacy will put his name at the top of the most influential artists in history, right along with Hank Williams, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings. His voice will be influencing singers 100 years from now and beyond! I'm reminded of the lyrics that Waylon wrote in the tune "It's Alright". "If we all sang like we wanted to, we'd all sound like George Jones!"
Mark Chesnutt - "I have no words to express my admiration and love for George Jones. To say he was my 'hero' does not do justice to the lifetime impression he made on me, both personally and professionally. George Jones is the foundation of country music and he's the reason I wanted to perform. He's the reason I'm still here in this business... out there on the road. He was my mentor and my teacher; George was my friend. He paved the way for so many and I was one of the lucky ones to have enjoyed the opportunity to not only sing beside him, but just 'sit and visit' with him. When I was just starting out, we toured together; he was the headliner. After a few shows, he told me that I was going to close the shows (because he wanted to watch "Andy Griffith"). For a newcomer, it was intimidating to open for him; there was even more pressure to close for him. George gave me strength and encouragement; he kept telling me 'you can do it, son.' George Jones is the Father of Country. We will all miss his voice, and I will miss his voice to call me 'son.'"
Dierks Bentley via Twitter - "Nancy and @gjpossum had a beautiful marriage and special relationship. Love you Nancy. Long live the Possum. Gonna miss my buddy. Real sad."
John Rich via Twitter - "Every serious country artist in the past 30 years has some @gjpossum dna in their blood and music. My God. We've lost our Elvis."
Kix Brooks via Twitter - "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!"
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."
Tim McGraw - "Gone ...... George Jones .....man he was country music."
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."
Jason Aldean - "So sad to hear about the passing of George Jones. Country music has lost one of our pioneers & legendary icons. You will never be forgotten."
Little Big Town - "There will never be another George Jones. You are and always will be country music. Rest in peace"
Angaleena Presley of the 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."
Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland - "I'll never forget the first time I heard the story in "He Stopped Loving Her Today". RIP George Jones. Country Legend. U will be missed."
Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum - "Saddened by the passing of George Jones. Sending prayers up for his wife and family. Country Music will never be the same."
Carrie Underwood - "You may have left us, but your music and your legacy never will."
Vince Gill - "There aren't words in our language to describe the depth of his greatness. I'll miss my kind and generous friend."
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.”
Barbara Mandrell - “I believe if you ask any singer who was the greatest country music singer of all time, they would say ‘George Jones’, he was without question and by far the BEST! I first met and worked with him when I was 13 years old; I am so very grateful that he was my friend.”
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…”
Alan Jackson - “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’ll always be the greatest singer and interpreter of real country music – there’ll never be another. Like the song says, ‘You know this old world is full of singers, but just a few are chosen to tear your heart out when they sing. Imagine life without them…Who’s gonna fill their shoes.’”
Justin Moore via Twitter - "We lost a country music legend this morning! The Possum, @gjpossum will always be one of my favorites!!"
(FAN) Michelle Barnett Overcast via Facebook - "One of the few artists my husband remembers. He would sit and listen to George Jones all day. His music has affected so many and will continue to do so for many years to come."
(FAN) Charlie Woods - @convictcharlie via Twitter - "Very saddened by it. Don't listen to his music enough. The Rolls Royce of country music. I'm listening to wsm650am right now doing a station tribute to him. Garth and Trisha just called in."
(FAN) Debbie Hobbs Matalski via Facebook - "It made me very sad to hear of his passing. I remember listening to him with my Daddy as a little girl (back where my love of country music began!). Thankfully, his music lives on forever!"
(FAN) Bridgette Wilson - @bwilson1219 via Twitter - "I'm in shock! I grew up listening to his music. Country music really lost a legend this morning. #ripgeorgejones #rippossum"
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"
Lee Brice - "Country music lost a great one today! George Jones - The Possum will be missed..."
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.”
Katie Armiger - "It was the honor of my lifetime to open one of the last shows of the Possum's career at the end of March...he was so sweet and took the time to say hi and even take a picture with me. Country Music has lost one of the greats...my heart goes out to his family, friends and fans...he stopped loving her today"
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"
Tracy Lawrence - "I am so saddened by the news of George Jones's passing. He was a wonderful friend and I will always treasure the times we had together. My thoughts and prayers are with Nancy and the entire family. George left a tremendous mark on Country music and inspired us all. I will miss him. God Bless you George."
(FAN) Eric - @winecowboy via Twitter -"We lost a country music legend Mr. George Jones. Our hearts are saddened yet his music will live on forever.... "
(FAN) Michael Waddell - @BoogerBottom via Twitter - "Just found out about the King! George Jones RIP. We lost a true legend. Gonna crank some White Lighting up right now.#jonesinforjones"
Jamie O'Neal - "The world has lost an iconic Country Legend and Heaven has gained a truly angelic voice!"
(FAN) Susie Francoeur - @SusieFrancoeur7 via Twitter - "I realize George Jones has passed and will be missed. But do not mourn him, celebrate him! Sing his songs and play his music."
Randy Houser via Twitter - "Rest in Peace George Jones. Sad day."
Dolly Parton via Twitter - "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."
Lee Greenwood via Twitter - "Blessed 2 have worked with heroes like Conway, Cash & @gjpossum. Their star burns so bright. When it goes out, there's a void in our hearts."
Dustin Lynch via Twitter - Mr. George Jones thank you for all you've done for country music, you taught us all how to sing."
Ray Scott via Twitter - "There were legendary, iconic, God-gifted country voices.. Then there was George Jones.. The epitome of what our beloved format once was.."
Janelle Arthur (American Idol Season 12) via Twitter - "RIP George Jones. You will be so missed. Such a legend! My daddy is probably really sad right now.."
Harry Connick, Jr via Twitter - "George Jones died. I won't stop loving him today, or ever. All my thoughts are with Nancy and his family... he was the greatest ever."
Chase Rice via Twitter - "We will never fill George Jones shoes. We can only hope to follow his footsteps."
Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry via Twitter - "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!!!"
Jason Matthews, songwriter ("Must Be Doing Something Right") via Twitter - "It's Friday. Thank you Lord for this day and letting us have George Jones for as long as did. He definitely doesn't need a rockin chair now."
Eric Lee Beddingfield - "George and Nancy treated my family and me like we were their own," said Eric. "I had no idea asking him to sing on one of my songs would turn into an incredible relationship I will cherish the rest of my life. As amazing as he was on stage and on record, I got to see first-hand his generosity and the incredible opportunity he gave a brand new artist like me. He was the first, the last and the only, and there will never be another one like him. I will miss him."
(FAN) Jason Benoit - @jbenoitcountry via Twitter - "The angels took the King of Country music home today, Mr. George Jones. He was one of my biggest inspirations..and will be missed dearly!"
Clint Bowyer via Twitter - "Sad day, We lost my favorite country legend. RIP George Jones! #possum. May u be on your way to the "Grand Tour"'.
(FAN) - Donna Brewer via Facebook - "I am sad. He is a legend. He was & will always be my mama a favorite singer. I grew up listening to him because of my mama's love of country music. He was one of the last greats we had left."
Brinley Addington via Twitter - "So sad to hear about the passing of George Jones. What a voice and a true benchmark in country music. Prayers for his family. "
Darrell Waltrip via Twitter - "This is one of the saddest days in the history of country music, George Jones is a national treasure, he was a friend, God Bless the possum"
George Ducas via Twitter - "Rest In Peace, George Jones. Sad day for music of every kind. Thank you, sir, for singing my song allowing me to share a stage or 2 with you"
Shane McAnally via Twitter - "George Jones on every station this morning...the way it always should have been."
The Oak Ridge Boys via Twitter - "We are devastated this morning ... We have lost The Possum... Legend and Friend... RIP George Jones"
Florida Georgia Line via Twitter - "Country music wasn't the same when he came around and now that he's gone it won't be again. RIP George Jones."
Jerrod Niemann via Twitter - "#rippossum Gonna miss the unbelievable George Jones. Thanks for so many amazing moments in country music history."
Crystal Shawanda via Twitter - "Imagine a world where,no music was playing" R.I.P. George Jones no one will ever fill your shoes :( xoxo
Griffin Layne via Facebook - "R.I.P GEORGE JONES. YOU WERE A GREAT INSPIRATION AND A WONDERFUL HUMAN BEING THAT WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED!!!!"
Brian Davis via Twitter - "Tonight our pre-show shots are for THE LEGEND GEORGE JONES!!!!!!! Jack for George!!!! @gjpossum YOU ARE THE MAN POSSUM!!!! "
JT Hodges via Facebook - "Today we lost a legend in country music. Thank you George Jones for the stories and the inspiration. You will always be loved and missed."
(FAN) David Richmond via Facebook - "I am very sad to report that we lost a music heavyweight, George Jones. George died today at the age of 81. He was very special to my grandparents and a music hero of mine!"
Billy Dean via Facebook - "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?"
(FAN) Kim Boucher via Twitter - "@gjpossum "You know, she came to see him one last time... Aww and we all wondered if she would" gets me every. single. time."
(FAN) Randall Upchurch via Facebook - "He was a true country music legend and will be loved and missed for many years to come and im 49yrs old and have heard some songs of Georges that some people have never heard like BOOK OF MEMORIES...I WISH YALL WOULD PLAY IT FOR ME PLEASE...Im so saddened by the loss of him but i feel so blessed to have grown up on his music and the true sounds of country music...Thank you WSM650 for playing Georges music today for us all that loved his music and him so very much..God bless yall we love yall!!!"
Garth Brooks - "The greatest voice to ever grace country music will never die, Jones has a place in every heart that ever loved any kind of music."
The Band Perry: "Country music and the world lost a true legend today … Mr. Jones, you will be greatly missed."
Kacey Musgraves: "That angel choir just got a whole lot better this morning."
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