Latest news with #NancyJones
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
George Jones honored with statue on Ryman's Icon Walk
Country Music Hall of Famer and Grand Ole Opry member George Jones is the latest genre icon to be memorialized with a bronze statue on the "Icons Walk" at the Ryman Auditorium's property. "One of the most influential and revered voices in country music history" joins statues of Little Jimmy Dickens, Bill Monroe, Loretta Lynn and Charley Pride to represent "legacies that continue to inspire generations of performers," the Ryman said in a statement. Colin Reed, executive chairman of the Ryman Hospitality Properties board; George Jones' widow, Nancy Jones; and Grand Ole Opry cast member and frequent Jones collaborator Jamey Johnson attended a June 3 unveiling ceremony. Johnson noted that as much as Jones was renowned for his love of singing and country music, he was "a dear friend who was more like a distant relative, who was always good for a warm hug and a bright smile." Sculptor Ben Watts took about one year to complete the statue of Jones. It is similar to ones he created of Dickens and Monroe in 2017, Lynn in 2020 and Pride in 2023. "George was an icon to people who saved their last dime to appreciate the same incredible yet relatable things that made me love and stay with him. He and his fans, much like myself, were flawed people who lived real lives and deserved strength and love," Nancy Jones said in a 2023 Tennessean interview. The statue unveiling continues a year of celebrations surrounding the Grand Ole Opry's 100th anniversary. Jones' 160 charting singles included 'He Stopped Loving Her Today and 'She Thinks I Still Care". He "left an indelible mark on music and culture" and "contributed to the Opry's rise as a cornerstone of country music," the Opry said in a statement. "His voice remains a benchmark of authenticity and excellence in country storytelling," added the Opry. Jones' figure joins those of Grand Ole Opry star Dickens (who died in 2014); bluegrass music's founding father Monroe (who died in 1996); groundbreaking country legend Pride (who died in 2020) and legendary female country star Lynn (who died in 2022) alongside the bronze figure of Capt. Thomas Ryman on the Ryman Auditorium plaza. Reed had the idea for the Icon Walk in 2015, after Dickens died. Thinking it unimaginable that he would never see the diminutive country performer at the Ryman again, Reed wanted to honor him and his presence there. Jones is depicted in the statue as the artist he was in his early 60s, around the turn of the 21st century. Nancy Jones, who aims to revive another George Jones Museum in Nashville — the original closed in Dec. 2021 — still maintains ownership of many of "The Possum"'s performance gear and stagewear. Watts wanted to create a lifelike portrayal of the singer, so she was able to outfit one of his assistants in the country legend's personal effects to help the creative process. "George would've wanted to have (his iconic) haircut and sideburns — he was so proud of that hairdo," Nancy Jones said. "And we had to have his favorite guitar strap there, too." When asked what she wanted the millions of tourists who may see her late husband's statue in the coming years to take from his presence, she paused, nearly teary-eyed, and said, "I don't want anyone to forget him and the fantastic music he released." Jones died in 2013. "To many country music fanatics, the Saratoga, Texas native's ability to weave authenticity so soulful that it could cause the warmest smile or chill you to the bone — sometimes in the same three-minute song — makes him, regardless of genre, the greatest singer that ever lived," The Tennessean wrote in April 2024. "As elegant as a vocalist as he was humble as a man, his uncanny ability to navigate between the two via magnificently crafted songs peerlessly marks a legacy that will perpetually inform country music's fundamentals and progression." This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: George Jones honored with statue on Ryman's Icon Walk
Forbes
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Nashville Unveils Statue Honoring George Jones - Outside The Ryman Auditorium
New statue outside the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN honors country music legend George Jones With one of the most distinctive voices in music, showcased by songs like 'He Stopped Loving Her Today,' 'Grand Tour,' and others, many fans and artists alike consider George Jones the greatest country singer of all time. Now, twelve years after his death, the country legend has his own statue outside the Ryman Auditorium. Friends, family, and fans gathered in downtown Nashville to see the statue for the first time and celebrate the country legend who played the Ryman many times throughout his career, when it served as home to the Grand Ole Opry. Jones became a member of the Opry in 1956. At the unveiling ceremony, Colin Reed, Ryman Hospitality Properties Executive Chairman, presented Jones' wife, Nancy, with a photograph of Jones playing on the Ryman stage decades ago. Nancy Jones shows photograph of husband, George Jones, performing at the Ryman. The photo was given ... More to her by Ryman Hospitality Properties Executive Chairman Colin Reed at unveiling of Jones' statue. June 03, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by) Over the past year, Nancy has spent time with sculptor Ben Watts, sharing artifacts, clothing items, and photos of her husband, as Watts worked to create the statue. She was excited to see the end result. Colin Reed and George Jones's wife, Nancy, attend the unveiling ceremony of new statute. Ryman ... More Auditorium, June 03, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by) 'The statue is beautiful,' she said. 'It has the wedding band, the ring he wore all the time, it's just beautiful.' It also captures the way Jones dressed, his stance on stage, and even sports his favorite guitar strap. Nashville unveils new statue honoring George Jones. Ryman Auditorium. Famous for a steady string of country hits, Jones was equally well-known for getting into trouble due to his problems with drugs and alcohol. The man known as 'The Possum' also ended up with a second nickname of 'No Show Jones' after he failed to show up to a number of his own concerts. With Nancy's help, things improved for Jones later in life. Fellow musician and good friend Jamey Johson paid tribute to Jones with a couple of stories about his 'antics', like the one where a relative took away Jones' car keys to keep from drinking and Jones took off in a John Deere riding lawn mower. 'Everybody's heard about that lawn mower incident," Johnson, "but that dude really drove a lawn mower eight miles to get to a bar. At the time, it didn't seem like an antic to him. It was what was necessary if he was gonna get a drink.' Jamey Johnson pays tribute to friend and fellow country artist George Jones Ryman at the unveiling ... More of new George Jones statue. They not only shared a love of music, they had a special connection as both served in the Marines. June 03, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by) He also recounted a story about the time Jones and Buck Owens were touring together and alternating their shows. One night Jones would open and Owens would close, and the next night they'd reverse the order. It worked out fine until they were set to do a show near Jones' hometown on a night and Owens was scheduled to close. Jones, expecting a lot of people he knew might be there, asked Owens to switch and let 'him' close that night. Owens refused. 'So, George took the stage that night and did something Buck couldn't do,' Johnson explained. 'George knew every song that Buck Owens was going to do that night and since they were sharing the band, George went out and did Buck's entire set before Buck came on. When George walked off the stage he looked at Buck and said, 'Follow that.' Despite his Jones' reputation for bad behavior, Nancy says the one place that never happened – was the Ryman. Nancy Jones speaks at unveiling of George Jones statue in Nashville, TN 'George loved the Ryman. It meant everything to him. It's the one place I wish we could have worked every weekend because when he played there, he didn't believe in having a drink. He said, 'It's the Mother Church of Country Music' and he was absolutely thrilled when he would work there.' She said he played his best shows at the Ryman and would be so pleased to have his statue outside that building. 'It makes me feel good and I know it'd make George feel good. He'd say, 'Well, honey, I finally made it.'' Jones' statue becomes the newest addition to the Ryman Icon Walk honoring country music greats. George Jones statue becomes newest addition to Ryman Iconic Walk - Nashville, TN The idea began in 2015 with the first one, at the front of the building, honoring Little Jimmy Dickens. Since then, the Ryman has added four statues, all located on the side of the building: Bill Monroe, Loretta Lynn, Charley Pride, and now, George Jones. Little Jimmy Dickens statue in front of Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN Statue of Bill Monroe on Ryman Icon Walk outside the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN Statue honoring Loretta Lynn on Ryman Icon Walk outside the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN Statue honoring Charley Pride on Ryman Icon Walk outside the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN The one honoring Jones comes as the Opry celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Nancy says she will continue to find new ways to build upon her husband's legacy and eventually plans to open a new George Jones Museum. She hears from fans all the time who still love and adore him, and his music continues to inspire new generations of country music artists. She says there's never been anyone like him. 'They only made one George Jones,' she says. 'Trust me." Throughout his lengthy career, Jones had more than 160 charting singles leaving an indelible mark on country music. Promotional studio portrait of American country singer and songwriter George Jones with an acoustic ... More guitar, circa 1970. (Photo by)
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Stinker Stores looking to sell 13 locations in Colorado
This story was originally published on C-Store Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily C-Store Dive newsletter. Stinker Stores is selling 13 of its convenience stores in Colorado, according to an announcement from Corner Realty, which is coordinating the sale process. Most of the stores are located in the greater Denver area, according to Corner Realty's listing. Bids for the stores are due by April 30, and sales are expected to be finalized by the end of August, according to the announcement. Stinker is selling these locations as part of new "portfolio optimization efforts' in which the retailer intends to 'sharpen its focus on core assets and capitalize on upcoming development projects,' according to the announcement. Colorado has become one of Stinker's largest markets since the retailer acquired 40 convenience stores in the state from Bradley Petroleum in 2017. Today, the company has more than 100 locations across the Centennial State as well as Wyoming and its home state of Idaho. The 13 stores it's now selling were from the 2017 acquisition, and Stinker has made 'significant' renovations and capital expenditures to these locations since then, according to the announcement. Stinker did not specify why it's selling these 13 locations in particular. However, in Monday's announcement, Stinker's Chairman Nancy Jones suggested the divestiture — which the company is calling Project Polecat — might relate to the company's new food-focused, large-scale store design, which spans up to 10,000 square feet per location. The 13 locations Stinker is selling range from 375 square feet to nearly 3,500 square feet, according to Corner Realty's listing. It's unclear if these stores offer Stinker's proprietary foodservice program, Pete's Eats, which is available in the retailer's newest stores. 'Stinker Stores is determined to be the leader in our trade areas utilizing our latest store format, serving this and the next generation of food and convenience customers in the Rocky Mountains,' Jones said. 'Project Polecat will support this strategic effort and continue to provide significant growth opportunities for our retail leaders across our network.' Interested parties can buy anywhere from one location up to the entire 13 c-store batch, according to Corner Realty, which said it will also be marketing them to companies outside the c-store industry. Recommended Reading Stinker Stores opens largest location yet Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
The future of the Macbride Nature Recreation Area
The future of the Macbride Nature Recreation Area The University of Iowa is in the throes of deciding whether to terminate its 60-year-old lease with the 485-acre Macbride Nature Recreation Area. Did you ever take your children to the Bird Blind or Raptor Center there? Did you see their eyes light up being so close to such amazing animals? Or did you ever enroll them in the week-long wildlife camps and see the wonder in their eyes when they recounted what they'd learned in the midst of this special natural area, thick with trees, marshlands and eagle-dotted skies? Anyone who has walked the trails of the Area or picnicked or hiked or camped or cross-country skied there knows it cannot be replicated, and that moving the wildlife camps to other locations would just create weak sisters. You can't move the magic. For the sake of current and future school children, why would you even want to try? Nancy Jones Iowa City Why I'm Voting for Oliver I am voting for Oliver because he can represent all of Iowa City. He understands our community—not just as an observer, but as someone who lives and works alongside us. Many immigrants are his coworkers and friends. He sees us. He understands the struggles of families who come to Iowa City hoping to build a better future for their children. And he believes the city council should play an active role in making life better for everyone. Our city council should reflect the diversity of our community. Iowa City belongs to all of us—homeowners and renters, business owners and workers, people with long histories here and those who are just beginning their journey. Right now, many policies work well for those who already have resources, but we need to make sure that low-income families and working-class people are part of the conversation from the start. That is what equity means, and that is what Oliver stands for. He believes in fairness and fights for it. Some have criticized Oliver for speaking forcefully online. But if you look at when and how he speaks out, you'll see that he is driven by a deep commitment to justice and fairness. Whether people agree with his approach or not, his focus has always been on challenging injustice and advocating for a city where power is shared by the whole community, not just a select few. At the same time, Oliver knows that leadership is not just about challenging—it's about listening, collaborating, and finding solutions. He is ready to do that work while ensuring that all voices, especially those who are often left out, are heard. As an immigrant, a woman, a Muslim, and someone who speaks English with an accent, I know how important it is to have leaders who listen to all voices. Too often, people like me are told to stay quiet. But democracy should work for all of us, not just for a select few. Oliver understands this. He will make sure all people have a voice in city government. That is why I am proud to support him. Mazahir Salih is the Iowa City Mayor Pro Tem Sell, baby, Sell Our Dear Leader has proposed another of his genius ideas: 'the gold card'. For $5,000,000 rich foreigners can buy a U.S. citizenship. 'We're going to be putting a price on that card of about $5 million and that's going to give you green card privileges, plus it's going to be a route to citizenship. And wealthy people will be coming into our country by buying this card.' Looks like Russian oligarchs would be prime candidates. Trump responded: ' I know some Russian oligarchs that are very nice people.' I never would have thought that our citizenship could be a commodity for sale. I'm too old school. I mistakenly believed that there were some things that were simply not for sale. You know, things like our principles, integrity, identity, birthright. Shows you how out of step with the times I am! But, 'Why should the government have a monopoly on selling citizenship?' Sounds like socialism to me. As a free marketer, we should all have the right to put our citizenship up for sale. We could sell them privately perhaps using Etsy or CraigsList or eBay. Our poor U.S. Citizens will be willing to sell their citizenship given how soon they are going to be even more screwed than before. My guess is that they would let their status go for far less than $5,000,000. Our own oligarchs, like Bezos, Musk and Zuckerberg, could buy them at a steep discount and sell them to their Russian oligarch buddies for $5,000,000. We could even sweeten the deal for them by exempting the transactions from taxation. Randy Richards Iowa City The time to stand up against bigotry and hate is now We can expect the next few years to be increasingly difficult and dangerous for many among us. The time to stand up against bigotry and hate is now. Having served on the Iowa City City Council through the COVID pandemic and the protests of 2020, I know we require leaders who will not waver from our shared, core values. We stand for human rights. We stand for communal care. We stand for science and reason. I remain so proud to stand with Mayor Teague and other elected officials who were willing to stand up to a State government hell-bent on denying all of these. I know our actions then helped keep us safe. Today, we need bold, brave leaders more than ever. Oliver Weilein is one of those leaders. The Iowa City city council special election offers the chance for us to go wider and deeper for this fight. Oliver has an extremely diverse base of support, notably among women, Black and brown folks, queer people, and immigrants. We can't wait for someone who'd need time to build trust. In the coming days, we will be making hard decisions that will impact those communities the most. We need leaders who continually expand the circle of who is civically engaged. We do not need to represent where we were generations ago. Oliver is accountable. Oliver has not hidden what he has done or said. Oliver gives clear, articulate explanations for why and how he has chosen to fight against oppression, even when that fight has not been quiet, or pretty, or comfortable. He has chosen to risk his reputation and his physical safety to stand on the front lines. At 31, Oliver already has more experience directly confronting bigotry and fighting to dismantle the tools of oppression than most of us will have in our lifetimes. While his civil rights record is what I find compelling about Oliver, I know he will excel on substance, too. Oliver says Iowa City is on the right path. He will continue to be a cheerleader for public transportation, resource conservation, and warm, welcoming public spaces. Oliver is a voracious reader (and uses our public library daily). Our role is to direct professional staff as they carry out our policy, informed by the community. As a colleague, I am sure there will be times I will temper his enthusiasm for creative ideas he's learned from around the world. Yet, the best leader is someone who is eager to work on solutions, not one who is paralyzed by the fear of criticism or failure, or who insists we've tried it all before. I know how it feels to have tremendous political pressure to keep our heads down. My palms still sweat at every public meeting if I need to say something contrary to the status quo. As a leader, speaking up means the risk of State retaliation, or at least the heartburn of harsh critiques. Oliver has demonstrated that he will come through these hard moments with open-heartedness and grace. I'm voting for Oliver Weilein because it is what's best for all of Iowa City. Our community will benefit from the leadership that comes from Oliver's life experiences and perspectives. Help ensure our shared future is as safe, vibrant, and inclusive as it can be and join me in casting your vote for Oliver on or before March 4. Laura Bergus is the Iowa City City Council representative for District A. This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: The future of the Macbride Nature Recreation Area | Letters
