The country music world was in mourning on April 26, 2013. It was the day the legendary and incomparable George Jones took his final breath on Earth.
Many country singers paid tribute to Jones on social media, but one person honored The Possum the only way he knew how – through song. Alan Jackson had a show scheduled for April 26, 2013, and still performed even though he was mourning the death of his dear friend.
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Jones’ most famous song, “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” which is highly regarded as the best country song of all time, is not normally part of Jackson’s set list, but on that particular day, he knew he had to sing it for his friend.
Jackson walked on stage to an adoring audience, picked up his guitar and started singing the iconic song’s opening lyrics with no introduction.
Each lyric seemed to hurt Jackson more than the last and by the end of the performance, he was fighting back tears. After singing the final lyric, Jackson tipped his hat and looked up to Heaven.
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“For my friend, George Jones, greatest country singer of all time. We love you, George. Tell Jesus I said ‘Hey’,” he said.
Watch the heartbreaking performance below.