Country music has lost one of its biggest stars. Singing legend George Jones died Friday following a week long hospitalization at Nashville’s Vanderbilt University Medical Center for a fever and irregular blood pressure. His death has been confirmed by his publicist, Kirt Webster. Jones was 81-years-old.
Hailed as one of the most talented musicians in country music, Jones enjoyed a very successful career that spanned more than 5 decades. His first hit, "Why Baby Why,” came in 1955 and his first No. 1 hit, “White Lightning” came four years later. He went on to have numerous hits, including "She Thinks I Still Care," "The Grand Tour,” and “The Race Is On.” Jones’ biggest hit is 1980’s “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” The ballad, which Jones won a Grammy for in 1981, is often considered the most popular country tune of all time. Jones’ struggle with addiction often led to him not appearing for concerts. It also earned him the nickname “No-Show Jones.”
He was married four times. His tumultuous marriage to his third wife, country singer Tammy Wynette, was highly publicized. Jones wed Nancy Sepulvado in 1983. In addition to Nancy, Jones is survived by four children and numerous grandchildren.
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