For a guy who sang so many sad songs, George Jones left behind a lot of laughs.
There was more humor than sadness at Jones's funeral Thursday at the Grand Ole Opry House as thousands gathered in Nashville – some arriving hours before sunrise –to pay their respects to the man whose voice has defined country music for more than half a century.
Friend after friend related stories of Jones' kindness, his love for his widow, Nancy, who's credited with helping him survive his personal demons later in life, and the funny little moments that will stick with them always.
Barbara Mandrell remembered the kindnesses he gave a scared 13-year-old girl just getting her start in the business. Former first lady Laura Bush remembered dumping quarter after quarter into the jukebox to hear 'The Race Is On.' Wynonna Judd remembered his perfect hair and his friendship. And Vince Gill remembered the man who gave him the nickname 'Sweet Pea,' a moniker he wasn't sure he liked at first but now treasures.
'The great thing is every time someone calls me Sweet Pea, I'll get to think about him,' Gill said before earning a standing ovation for his rendition of 'Go Rest High on That Mountain' with Patty Loveless.
The nearly three-hour memorial was attended by several major country stars and political figures. Nancy Jones sat flanked by Bush and Garth Brooks and Trisha Yea.
For a guy who sang so many sad songs, George Jones left behind a lot of laughs.
There was more humor than sadness at Jones's funeral Thursday at the Grand Ole Opry House as thousands gathered in Nashville – some arriving hours before sunrise –to pay their respects to the man whose voice has defined country music for more than half a century.
Friend after friend related stories of Jones' kindness, his love for his widow, Nancy, who's credited with helping him survive his personal demons later in life, and the funny little moments that will stick with them always.
Barbara Mandrell remembered the kindnesses he gave a scared 13-year-old girl just getting her start in the business. Former first lady Laura Bush remembered dumping quarter after quarter into the jukebox to hear 'The Race Is On.' Wynonna Judd remembered his perfect hair and his friendship. And Vince Gill remembered the man who gave him the nickname 'Sweet Pea,' a moniker he wasn't sure he liked at first but now treasures.
'The great thing is every time someone calls me Sweet Pea, I'll get to think about him,' Gill said before earning a standing ovation for his rendition of 'Go Rest High on That Mountain' with Patty Loveless.
The nearly three-hour memorial was attended by several major country stars and political figures. Nancy Jones sat flanked by Bush and Garth Brooks and Trisha Yea
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. - This Thursday, Nashville and the world will pay tribute to the late musical legend George Jones. The iconic country singer passed away last week. FOX17 Entertainment Reporter Stacy McCloud Joins us LIVE from Williamson County with George's widow, Nancy. Don't forget this Thursday, we'll be broadcasting George Jones' funeral LIVE from the Grand Ole Opry, starting at 10am. This Friday we'll have a half hour special dedicated to the legacy of the music legend. It begins at 9:30pm. On our website, you'll find an entire section dedicated to all the stories we've done on George Jones.
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Watch George Jones Funeral at Opry Plus More Nashville News Updates Video.
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Thursday's funeral revealed stories beyond the legends about the man Vince Gill says 'taught us all how to sing with a broken heart.'
The friends and fellow performers who spoke at George Jones' funeral repeated many of the well-known stories about the country singer's life. He once drove a mile and a half to a liquor store on a riding lawn mower. After years of battling alcohol and drug abuse, he finally turned around his life after a near-fatal 1999 auto accident. He could sing a country song like no one else who ever lived.
'He was more than a country singer, he was a country song,' said Face the Nation moderator Bob Schieffer, one of eight speakers at the funeral. 'And it was never an easy one.'
Thursday's service, which drew thousands of family, friends and fans to the Grand Ole Opry House, also revealed lesser-known stories about the man whom Charlie Daniels called 'the most imitated country singer of all time.' Some of the best takeaways:
Jones never got over being nervous on the Grand Ole Opry stage, especially those times when he was introduced by the late Roy Acuff.
Jones almost turned down his signature hit, He Stopped Loving Her Today, feeling that it was too sad.
Jones loved Raisin Bran but hated raisins. His wife, Nancy, would pick them out of his cereal for him.
Jones would get in his car and drive around town when he felt like he
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George Jones performed hundreds of times at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry House – whether on the WSM Radio show, or appearing on such shows from the auditorium like the CMA Awards, so it's only appropriate that this morning's funeral has turned out to be a farewell fit for a country king.
Open to the public, fans started lining up yesterday for a chance to say farewell to the artist known as 'The Possum.' Famous friends who either spoke or performed during the 2 hour, 40 minutes-long service included Kid Rock, Travis Tritt, Alan Jackson, Patty Loveless, former First Lady Laura Bush and others.
WSM announcer Eddie Stubbs welcomed the crowd to the Opry House, and proceeded to introduce longtime family friend Tanya Tucker and the Imperials, who performed a beautiful version of the Gospel classic 'The Old Rugged Cross,' ending the performance by saying 'I'm gonna miss you, Possum.' Tucker was one of several acts that was slated to perform with Jones on his final concert – which was slated for November 22 in Nashville.
Nashville radio personality Keith Bilbrey spoke next, followed by Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam who praised the singer for being an ambassador to the state of Tennessee.
Pastor Mike Wilson was next on the hallowed stage, who asked for prayers on behalf of George's family and friends. Bilbrey then introduced a pair of artists who had deep ties to Jones. The first was Randy Tr
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And, as Alan Jackson sang the final verse, he removed his white cowboy hat and held it over his heart.
“We love you George,” he said.
Then, George Jones exited the Opry for the final time.
As his casket was taken up the center aisle, “When the Last Curtain Falls” played. People in the pews removed their hats as he passed. The thousands of fans in the balcony stood in respect. And the hush that hung in the hall before the service started, again resumed.
12:35 - Regardless of how the people gathered in the Grand Ole Opry House Thursday knew George Jones – whether it was as a husband, daddy, grandpa, friend or the greatest voice they had ever heard – Pastor Mike Wilson had this to say: “Life didn’t stop for George on Friday, it started.”
It’s OK to cry, Wilson said. Jesus cried.
But Jones’ memory will carry on.
When Wilson asked Jones’ widow, Nancy, what he should share about Jones at Thursday’s funeral, she looked at him with piercing eyes and said, “You tell everybody he was the best man they’ll ever know.”
12:20 - In her deep and commanding voice, Wynonna Judd captured love of the country music legend with a moving rendition of “How Great Thou Art. The song reverberated through the pews and caused those gathered in the Grand Ole Opry House to stand and applaud.
“Music gets us through, and in some ways helps lighten the burden,” Wynonna said before she
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Music City gets ready to honor the legacy of a legend. This Thursday a public funeral will be held for George Jones. It will take place at the Grand Ole Opry House, and we're hearing it will be quite a star-studded event. The funeral will include musical performances by Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill, Patty Loveless, Alan Jackson, Ronnie Milsap, The Oak Ridge Boys, Brad Paisley, Randy Travis, Travis Tritt, Tanya Tucker and Wynonna. In addition to that, First Lady Laura Bush, Kenny Chesney, Grand Ole Opry's Pete Fisher, Governor Bill Haslam, Governor Mike Huckabee, Barbara Mandrell and CBS' Bob Schieffer will all make special remarks. FOX17 is your station for George Jones coverage. This Thursday, we'll broadcast LIVE his funeral from the Grand Ole Opry starting at 10am. This Friday we'll have a half hour special dedicated to the legacy of the music legend. It begins at 9:30pm. On our website, you'll find an entire section dedicated to all our stories on George Jones and you can leave your condolences there too.
News video | 1003 views
George Jones, the country music legend whose graceful, evocative voice gave depth to some of the greatest songs in country music -- including 'She Thinks I Still Care,' 'The Grand Tour' and 'He Stopped Loving Her Today' -- has died, according to his public relations firm.
Jones, 81, died Friday at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, the public relations firm said. He had been hospitalized since April 18 with fever and irregular blood pressure.
Jones' career was marked by a tumultuous marriage to Tammy Wynette and bouts with alcoholism that led to occasional concert cancellations. (One of his nicknames was 'No-Show Jones'; after he got clean, he puckishly used 'No-Show' on his license plates.)
But there was no denying his talent. Waylon Jennings once wrote a song that said, 'George might show up flyin' high, if George shows up at all/But he may be, unconsciously, the greatest of them all.'
Famous friends chimed in after learning of his death.
'My friend, the greatest singer of all time, has passed,' Brad Paisley wrote on Twitter. 'To those who knew him, our lives were full. To those of you who don't: discover him now.'
In a statement, Merle Haggard said, 'The world has lost the greatest country singer of all time. Amen.'
Jones, nicknamed 'The Possum' for his resemblance to the animal, was born in 1931
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Country Music Hall of Famer George Jones, a master of sad country ballads whose voice held the bracing power, the sweetness and the burn of an evening's final pull from a bourbon bottle, has died after an illness that hospitalized him since April 18.
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Singer George Jones, whose 'He Stopped Loving Her Today' is regarded by many as the greatest country song ever recorded, charted dozens of hits over a long career marked by struggles with alcohol and drugs, broken marriages and, finally, redemption.
Three decades ago, an east Texas singer named George Jones took on an impossibly melodramatic, shamelessly sentimental song about a man who desperately clutched at lost love until his dying breath.
His 1980 recording of 'He Stopped Loving Her Today' became one of the most revered songs in country music history.
Singers Hank Williams, Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard were known for the poetically crafted lyrics of their country standards. But Jones' anguish-drenched vocals elevated 'He Stopped Loving Her Today' above its soap-opera lyrics in polls of the greatest country music songs.
News video | 626 views
IND vs SA | World Cup T20 2024 | Match Preview and Stats | Fantasy 11 | Crictracker
Welcome to the exhilarating showdown between India vs South Africa in the World Cup T20 2024 season! Get ready for an electrifying clash as these two powerhouse teams, fueled by raw talent and strategic brilliance, lock horns for cricketing supremacy.
Join us as the India, led by their charismatic captain, face off against the South Africa, determined to showcase their prowess on the pitch. With star-studded lineups boasting top-tier international players and emerging talents, expect nothing short of cricketing excellence and heart-stopping moments.
Don't miss a single moment of the action, drama, and excitement as these teams battle it out in the high-stakes arena of World Cup T20 2024. From breathtaking boundaries to strategic masterstrokes, witness every twist and turn in this epic showdown.
IND vs SA | World Cup T20 2024 | Final | Match Preview and Stats | Fantasy 11 | Crictracker
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Join us as the India, led by their charismatic captain, face off against the Zimbawe, determined to showcase their prowess on the pitch. With star-studded lineups boasting top-tier international players and emerging talents, expect nothing short of cricketing excellence and heart-stopping moments.
Don't miss a single moment of the action, drama, and excitement as these teams battle it out in the high-stakes arena of this T20 series. From breathtaking boundaries to strategic masterstrokes, witness every twist and turn in this epic showdown.
IND vs ZIM | T20 | Match Preview and Stats | Fantasy 11 | Crictracker
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Watch as our employees try to guess the famous cricketers from just a few clues. Can you beat them at their own game? Test your cricket knowledge and see how many cricketers you can guess correctly. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more fun office challenges and cricket trivia! #CricketChallenge #OfficeFun #guessthecricketer #crickettrivia
Office Fun Challenge: Guess the Cricketers? #office #crictracker #cricketlover ????
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Welcome to the exhilarating showdown between India vs Bangladesh in the T20 series! Get ready for an electrifying clash as these two powerhouse teams, fueled by raw talent and strategic brilliance, lock horns for cricketing supremacy.
Join us as the India, led by their charismatic captain, face off against the Bangladesh, determined to showcase their prowess on the pitch. With star-studded lineups boasting top-tier international players and emerging talents, expect nothing short of cricketing excellence and heart-stopping moments.
Don't miss a single moment of the action, drama, and excitement as these teams battle it out in the high-stakes arena of this T20 series. From breathtaking boundaries to strategic masterstrokes, witness every twist and turn in this epic showdown.
IND vs BAN | T20 | Match Preview and Stats | Fantasy 11 | Crictracker
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IND vs SL | T20 | Match Preview and Stats | Fantasy 11 | Crictracker
Welcome to the exhilarating showdown between India vs Sri Lanka in the T20 series! Get ready for an electrifying clash as these two powerhouse teams, fueled by raw talent and strategic brilliance, lock horns for cricketing supremacy.
Join us as the India, led by their charismatic captain, face off against the Sri Lanka, determined to showcase their prowess on the pitch. With star-studded lineups boasting top-tier international players and emerging talents, expect nothing short of cricketing excellence and heart-stopping moments.
Don't miss a single moment of the action, drama, and excitement as these teams battle it out in the high-stakes arena of this T20 series. From breathtaking boundaries to strategic masterstrokes, witness every twist and turn in this epic showdown.
IND vs SL | T20 | Match Preview and Stats | Fantasy 11 | Crictracker
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IND vs SL | T20 | Final | Match Preview and Stats | Fantasy 11 | Crictracker
Welcome to the exhilarating showdown between India vs Sri Lanka in the T20 series! Get ready for an electrifying clash as these two powerhouse teams, fueled by raw talent and strategic brilliance, lock horns for cricketing supremacy.
Join us as the India, led by their charismatic captain, face off against the Sri Lanka, determined to showcase their prowess on the pitch. With star-studded lineups boasting top-tier international players and emerging talents, expect nothing short of cricketing excellence and heart-stopping moments.
Don't miss a single moment of the action, drama, and excitement as these teams battle it out in the high-stakes arena of this T20 Final. From breathtaking boundaries to strategic masterstrokes, witness every twist and turn in this epic showdown.
IND vs SL | T20 | Final | Match Preview and Stats | Fantasy 11 | Crictracker
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SAMARPAN is an ode to the dedicated team of ASHI, Haryana and Ashiana Children's Home, as they mark their Golden Jubilee this year in 2019. Available in Hindi and English Subtitles.
Watch the full film 'SAMARPAN' online on
- Rolling Frames Entertainment - (https://rfetv.in)
- VEBLR - (https://veblr.com/)
- ASHI, Haryana's website - https://ashi-haryana.org/
About ASHI, Haryana:
Association for Social Health in India (ASHI) is a Voluntary and Social Organization aiming at challenging those conditions that lead to exploitation of women and children for anti-social purposes by providing shelter for Destitute & Orphan children and arranging for their education, vocational training and rehabilitation are one of the Association’s main activities. The Governor of Haryana, their Chief Patron, visits the Home once a year to encourage and bless the children.
All Rights Reserved - Pinaka Mediaworks LLP - 2019
Produced by: Association of Social Health in India (Haryana State Branch), Pinaka Mediaworks & Rolling Frames Entertainment.
Director: Ojaswwee Sharma
Production House - Pinaka Mediaworks LLP
- Associate Director: Rohit Kumar
- Editor: Bhasker Pandey
- Cinematography Team:
Raman Kumar
Harjas Singh Marwah
Surinder Singh
- Subtitles: Diveeja Sharma
For Pinaka Mediaworks LLP (India)
- Co-founder & CFO: Sunil Sharma
- Brand Communication Head: Diveeja Sharma
- Head of Post Production: Bhasker Pandey
- Legal Advisor: Vishal Taneja
Kids video | 570368 views
SAMARPAN is an ode to the dedicated team of ASHI, Haryana and Ashiana Children's Home, as they mark their Golden Jubilee this year in 2019. Available in Hindi and English Subtitles.
Watch the full film 'SAMARPAN' online on
- Rolling Frames Entertainment - (https://rfetv.in)
- VEBLR - (https://veblr.com/)
- ASHI, Haryana's website - https://ashi-haryana.org/
About ASHI, Haryana:
Association for Social Health in India (ASHI) is a Voluntary and Social Organization aiming at challenging those conditions that lead to exploitation of women and children for anti-social purposes by providing shelter for Destitute & Orphan children and arranging for their education, vocational training and rehabilitation are one of the Association’s main activities. The Governor of Haryana, their Chief Patron, visits the Home once a year to encourage and bless the children.
All Rights Reserved - Pinaka Mediaworks LLP - 2019
Produced by: Association of Social Health in India (Haryana State Branch), Pinaka Mediaworks & Rolling Frames Entertainment.
Director: Ojaswwee Sharma
Production House - Pinaka Mediaworks LLP
- Associate Director: Rohit Kumar
- Editor: Bhasker Pandey
- Cinematography Team:
Raman Kumar
Harjas Singh Marwah
Surinder Singh
- Subtitles: Diveeja Sharma
For Pinaka Mediaworks LLP (India)
- Co-founder & CFO: Sunil Sharma
- Brand Communication Head: Diveeja Sharma
- Head of Post Production: Bhasker Pandey
- Legal Advisor: Vishal Taneja
Kids video | 107208 views
SAMARPAN is an ode to the dedicated team of ASHI, Haryana and Ashiana Children's Home, as they mark their Golden Jubilee this year in 2019. Available in Hindi and English Subtitles.
Watch the full film 'SAMARPAN' online on
- Rolling Frames Entertainment - (https://rfetv.in)
- VEBLR - (https://veblr.com/)
- ASHI, Haryana's website - https://ashi-haryana.org/
About ASHI, Haryana:
Association for Social Health in India (ASHI) is a Voluntary and Social Organization aiming at challenging those conditions that lead to exploitation of women and children for anti-social purposes by providing shelter for Destitute & Orphan children and arranging for their education, vocational training and rehabilitation are one of the Association’s main activities. The Governor of Haryana, their Chief Patron, visits the Home once a year to encourage and bless the children.
All Rights Reserved - Pinaka Mediaworks LLP - 2019
Produced by: Association of Social Health in India (Haryana State Branch), Pinaka Mediaworks & Rolling Frames Entertainment.
Director: Ojaswwee Sharma
Production House - Pinaka Mediaworks LLP
- Associate Director: Rohit Kumar
- Editor: Bhasker Pandey
- Cinematography Team:
Raman Kumar
Harjas Singh Marwah
Surinder Singh
- Subtitles: Diveeja Sharma
For Pinaka Mediaworks LLP (India)
- Co-founder & CFO: Sunil Sharma
- Brand Communication Head: Diveeja Sharma
- Head of Post Production: Bhasker Pandey
- Legal Advisor: Vishal Taneja
Kids video | 107472 views
SAMARPAN is an ode to the dedicated team of ASHI, Haryana and Ashiana Children's Home, as they mark their Golden Jubilee this year in 2019. Available in Hindi and English Subtitles.
Watch the full film 'SAMARPAN' online on
- Rolling Frames Entertainment - (https://rfetv.in)
- VEBLR - (https://veblr.com/)
- ASHI, Haryana's website - https://ashi-haryana.org/
About ASHI, Haryana:
Association for Social Health in India (ASHI) is a Voluntary and Social Organization aiming at challenging those conditions that lead to exploitation of women and children for anti-social purposes by providing shelter for Destitute & Orphan children and arranging for their education, vocational training and rehabilitation are one of the Association’s main activities. The Governor of Haryana, their Chief Patron, visits the Home once a year to encourage and bless the children.
All Rights Reserved - Pinaka Mediaworks LLP - 2019
Produced by: Association of Social Health in India (Haryana State Branch), Pinaka Mediaworks & Rolling Frames Entertainment.
Director: Ojaswwee Sharma
Production House - Pinaka Mediaworks LLP
- Associate Director: Rohit Kumar
- Editor: Bhasker Pandey
- Cinematography Team:
Raman Kumar
Harjas Singh Marwah
Surinder Singh
- Subtitles: Diveeja Sharma
For Pinaka Mediaworks LLP (India)
- Co-founder & CFO: Sunil Sharma
- Brand Communication Head: Diveeja Sharma
- Head of Post Production: Bhasker Pandey
- Legal Advisor: Vishal Taneja
Kids video | 35175 views
SAMARPAN is an ode to the dedicated team of ASHI, Haryana and Ashiana Children's Home, as they mark their Golden Jubilee this year in 2019. Available in Hindi and English Subtitles.
Watch the full film 'SAMARPAN' online on
- Rolling Frames Entertainment - (https://rfetv.in)
- VEBLR - (https://veblr.com/)
- ASHI, Haryana's website - https://ashi-haryana.org/
About ASHI, Haryana:
Association for Social Health in India (ASHI) is a Voluntary and Social Organization aiming at challenging those conditions that lead to exploitation of women and children for anti-social purposes by providing shelter for Destitute & Orphan children and arranging for their education, vocational training and rehabilitation are one of the Association’s main activities. The Governor of Haryana, their Chief Patron, visits the Home once a year to encourage and bless the children.
All Rights Reserved - Pinaka Mediaworks LLP - 2019
Produced by: Association of Social Health in India (Haryana State Branch), Pinaka Mediaworks & Rolling Frames Entertainment.
Director: Ojaswwee Sharma
Production House - Pinaka Mediaworks LLP
- Associate Director: Rohit Kumar
- Editor: Bhasker Pandey
- Cinematography Team:
Raman Kumar
Harjas Singh Marwah
Surinder Singh
- Subtitles: Diveeja Sharma
For Pinaka Mediaworks LLP (India)
- Co-founder & CFO: Sunil Sharma
- Brand Communication Head: Diveeja Sharma
- Head of Post Production: Bhasker Pandey
- Legal Advisor: Vishal Taneja
Kids video | 85677 views
SAMARPAN is an ode to the dedicated team of ASHI, Haryana and Ashiana Children's Home, as they mark their Golden Jubilee this year in 2019. Available in Hindi and English Subtitles.
Watch the full film 'SAMARPAN' online on
- Rolling Frames Entertainment - (https://rfetv.in)
- VEBLR - (https://veblr.com/)
- ASHI, Haryana's website - https://ashi-haryana.org/
About ASHI, Haryana:
Association for Social Health in India (ASHI) is a Voluntary and Social Organization aiming at challenging those conditions that lead to exploitation of women and children for anti-social purposes by providing shelter for Destitute & Orphan children and arranging for their education, vocational training and rehabilitation are one of the Association’s main activities. The Governor of Haryana, their Chief Patron, visits the Home once a year to encourage and bless the children.
All Rights Reserved - Pinaka Mediaworks LLP - 2019
Produced by: Association of Social Health in India (Haryana State Branch), Pinaka Mediaworks & Rolling Frames Entertainment.
Director: Ojaswwee Sharma
Production House - Pinaka Mediaworks LLP
- Associate Director: Rohit Kumar
- Editor: Bhasker Pandey
- Cinematography Team:
Raman Kumar
Harjas Singh Marwah
Surinder Singh
- Subtitles: Diveeja Sharma
For Pinaka Mediaworks LLP (India)
- Co-founder & CFO: Sunil Sharma
- Brand Communication Head: Diveeja Sharma
- Head of Post Production: Bhasker Pandey
- Legal Advisor: Vishal Taneja
Kids video | 57176 views