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Beloved Country Singer, 49, Pays Tribute to Country Music Legend George Jones
Beloved Country Singer, 49, Pays Tribute to Country Music Legend George Jones originally appeared on Parade.
Beloved country singer , 49, paid a heartfelt tribute to the iconic George Jones on June 3, as a bronze statue of "The Possum" was unveiled at the historic Ryman Auditorium's Icon Walk. Johnson, known for his deep-rooted respect for country music's trailblazers, joined Jones' widow, Nancy Jones, and Ryman Hospitality Properties Executive Chairman Colin Reed for the emotional ceremony, further cementing Jones' legacy at the "Mother Church of Country Music."
The life-sized statue, crafted by sculptor Ben Watts, captures the essence of Jones, who passed away in 2013. It now stands among other country music titans like , Bill Monroe, , and , gracing the entrance of the revered venue where Jones himself delivered countless unforgettable performances.
For Johnson, the moment was personal. He spoke fondly of his relationship with the legendary vocalist, stating, "He was a dear friend who was more like a distant relative, who was always good for a warm hug and a bright smile." This bond was well-documented, with Jones featuring on Johnson's 2008 track, "Keeping Up With The Jonesin'." More recently, Nancy Jones played a part in Johnson's personal life, recommending the venue for his May 2025 wedding to Brittney Eakins.
The Ryman Auditorium, a National Historic Landmark, holds a special place in country music history. It was home to the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974, and Jones, a Grand Ole Opry member since 1956, had a reverence for the institution.
Jamey Johnson's presence at the unveiling is a testament to his championing of traditional country music and its pioneers. Often seen as an heir to the outlaw country movement, Johnson has covered songs by his heroes and spoken about their influence on his own critically acclaimed career. His upcoming "The Last Honky Tonk Tour" itself is a tribute to another late friend and musician, Wayne Mills.
The statue unveiling not only commemorates George Jones' contributions to music—his voice often hailed as the greatest in country history—but also serves as a reminder of the d mutual respect that run through the Nashville music community.
As fans and visitors walk past the Ryman, they will now be greeted by the likeness of a man whose music continues to inspire generations, a tribute made all the more poignant by the presence of artists like Jamey Johnson who carry the torch forward. The unveiling underscores that while "The Possum" may be gone, his music and his spirit remain an indelible part of country music's soul.
Beloved Country Singer, 49, Pays Tribute to Country Music Legend George Jones first appeared on Parade on Jun 4, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
