Grand Ole Opry / YouTube
Most country music artists and fans agree that George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today” is the greatest country song of all time.
The song held the #1 spot on the country chart for 18 weeks. Jones released it in April 1980 as the first single from his album I Am What I Am.
RELATED: JAMEY JOHNSON HONORS GEORGE JONES WITH 2016 “HE STOPPED LOVING HER TODAY” PERFORMANCE
“He Stopped Loving Her Today” became Jones’ signature piece.
Interestingly, Jones hated the song when he heard it for the first time. But he bit the bullet and eventually ended up recording it. The rest is history.
Due to its notable status in country music, “He Stopped Loving Her Today” has been covered numerous times, primarily by male artists. In 2011, one country music’s most successful female artists stepped up to offer a woman’s take on the song.
LeAnn Rimes released a one-of-a-kind album in 2011 titled Lady & Gentlemen. Co-produced by Rimes, Vince Gill, and Darrell Brown, the album contained covers of songs that male artists originally recorded. One of the covers Rimes included on the album was “He Stopped Loving Her Today.”
Rimes performed “He Stopped Loving Her Today” during an appearance at the Grand Ole Opry a few years ago. She couldn’t stop herself from getting emotional during the tribute.
While introducing the song, she shared just how much it means to her:
“This is one of my all time favorite songs,” she said. “I think it’s the best song that’s ever been written in country music. And God bless George.”
RELATED: STEVIE NICKS’ SONG “CRYSTAL” EARNS REMAKE FROM LEANN RIMES
From there, Rimes moved into her breathtaking cover. Her gorgeous voice soared through high and low notes, leaving the crowd in awe. A few stray tears escaped Rimes’ eyes as she sang, but she still managed to power through without breaking down.
The emotion behind Rimes’ cover resulted in a performance that will also bring tears to your eyes. You can watch the beauty unfold in the video below.
George Jones would have been proud of LeAnn Rimes’ rendition of his signature song.
Get this sent to your inbox, plus, get new articles & videos from us every week!
Receive daily updates with the best country music videos, news, and more!
© 2024 Country Rebel
