REACTIONS TO GEORGE JONES’ PASSING
FROM THE COUNTRY MUSIC COMMUNITY AND BEYOND
"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 all his family and friends."
— Dolly Parton
"The world has lost the greatest country singer of all time. Amen."
— MERLE HAGGARD
“Today
is a sad day in Country music. We have lost another piece of history.
George Jones was not only a good singer, but was a good friend. He will be missed by many.”
— Hank Williams Jr.
“I
am very thankful I got to know George, he’s one of the greatest singers
that ever lived. I actually loved the man and really enjoyed the time I
got to spend with he and Nancy.”
— Randy Travis
“George
Jones will always be one of the most amazing singers who ever lived.
He was a true Country Music legend who made music very personal to the
listener – I think more than anyone else. He will be dearly missed, but
always remembered.”
— Kenny Rogers
"Country
music and the world will miss George Jones. He was someone who set a
high standard in our industry for great music and lyrics that tapped
into the emotions of the human heart at a very deep level. His music
has touched the lives of country music lovers for over five decades. My
prayers are with his family and I pray for the repose of his soul. May
you rest in peace, brother.”
— Collin Raye
"There's
a huge emptiness in the music world today from the passing of our good
friend George Jones. But, the void is filled with the many memories that
will be with us forever. We love you, George."
— The Oak Ridge Boys lead singer Duane Allen
"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."
— Barbara Mandrell
“SAD DAY FOLKS. TODAY, WITH THE PASSING OF MY GOOD FRIEND, GEORGE JONES, THE
DOOR TO AN ERA IN TIME IS SLOWLY CLOSING. WITH ONLY A HANDFUL OF US
LEFT STANDING, THE COUNTRY MUSIC I KNEW AND LOVED HAS ALSO PASSED AWAY.
IT IS MY GREAT HOPE THAT THE YOUNGER GENERATION OF SINGERS WILL REMEMBER
ALL OF US FROM THAT TIME AND CARRY ON. THANKS ALL.”
— RAY PRICE
"There aren't words in our language to describe the depth of his greatness. I'll miss my kind and generous friend."
— Vince Gill
"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!'"
— Travis Tritt
‘We are deeply saddened by the news this morning of the passing of our
friend, George Jones. Our company was privileged to have represented
George Jones in the 1980’s, most notably during the critically acclaimed
‘Reunion’ tour of George Jones and Tammy Wynette. We will miss this ICONIC songwriter and his unmistakable voice, but he will live on in our hearts.’
— Jim Halsey, Impresario
“I'm
shocked and saddened at the passing of my friend and hero George Jones.
I was honored to have toured and recorded with him. Our hearts go out
to Nancy and the entire family. ‘Now I Wonder Who's Gonna Fill his Shoes?’”
— TG Sheppard
“I
was saddened to learn of George's passing. Along with being one of the
greatest singers of our time, he was a sweet man who was always kind to
me. Please know that I am praying for you during this special time of
loss. If there is anything at all that you need from me please let me
know. Our prayers will continue for you throughout the days ahead.”
— Guy Penrod
“Today
is a dark for country music and music in general. George had become a
friend and mentor to us. We will always remember touring with him and
how both he and Nancy were so welcoming to us. Rest in peace George...
No one will ever fill your shoes!”
— The Roys
"Country
music has lost one of the great ones today with the passing of George
Jones. Rest in peace 'Possum', heaven has a new angel."
— Lisa Matassa
“George
Jones was just as impressive as a person as he was as an entertainer.
He was ‘the ordinary, down to earth guy that happens to live down the
road’ and a super star entertainer of which there will never be an
equal.” His passing is a sad day and a great loss for us all.”
— Michael Bonagura of Baillie & The Boys
“His voice will live on forever in my heart. There will never be another!”
—Kathie Baillie of Baillie & The Boys
“George was the greatest country singer of all time and was featured in my NANCY comic strip many times. I'll find the words....along
with the pictures...to pay tribute to George in the comic strip soon,
but today, I join all of Nashville and the Country Music world in
sending prayers of comfort and love to Nancy and the Jones family.”
— Guy Gilchrist
“George
Jones was one of the most endearing, warm and friendly people I have
ever had the privilege to meet. I have been lucky enough to work with
George and Nancy and I am so blessed to have been a small part of their
lives for a short time. While I am deeply saddened, I know his legend
will live on.”
— Janie Fricke
"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.'"
— Mark Chesnutt
“I'll
never forget the incredible experience of singing with George and I
will always remember his wonderful sense of humor and down to earth
soul. Before
I wrote the liner note for his Ladies Choice album, I said a prayer for
the right words to a worthy quote that would come close to reflecting
the way I feel about George. Here is that quote and it will always be
true.
"We are all God's own individual works of art. In country music, George Jones is his masterpiece..."
— Deborah Allen
"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."
— Lorrie Morgan
"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."
— Mark Wills
Keith Urban @KeithUrban
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
Toby Keith @TobyKeithMusic
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
Clay Aiken @clayaiken
Sad to hear of the passing of the great George Jones, Soundtrack to much of my childhood. We'll lay a wreath upon his door. Rest in peace.
ali landry @alilandry
RIP George Jones. His music was the soundtrack of my childhood. My whole family were huge fans. What a legend:(
Billy Ray Cyrus @billyraycyrus
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
Neal McCoy @NealMcCoy
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
Hillary Scott @HillaryScottLA
Saddened by the passing of George Jones. Sending prayers up for his wife and family. Country Music will never be the same.
Troy Aikman @TroyAikman
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.
Alan Jackson @OfficialJackson
Heaven better get ready for George Jones. He will always be the greatest singer of real country music – there’ll never be another.
LeAnn Rimes Cibrian @leannrimes
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.
Blake Shelton @blakeshelton
Really REALLY bad news. We've lost a country music legend. And I've lost a hero and a friend. Goodbye George Jones...
Darrell Waltrip @AllWaltrip
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
Martina McBride @martinamcbride
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.
Faith Hill @FaithHill
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.
Bo Bice @OfficialBoBice
George Jones passed away this morning. We will miss ya Possum. There will never be another!! Make them angels weep up there GJ.
Brad Paisley @BradPaisley
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.
Jason_Aldean @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.
Kix Brooks @KixBrooks
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!
# # #