Country Stars React To George Jones' Death

George Jones

Country artists across the globe are extending their condolences and tributes of sympathy TODAY (4/26), after learning of iconic Country star GEORGE JONES' passing (NET NEWS 4/26).

Country singer JIM LAUDERDALE said, "GEORGE JONES, you were so much a part of my life that its going to be such a different world without you. You were like a comet that was here and changed everything. You were so important to so many. Anybody who heard your amazing voice felt they knew you and oh how you made us feel. You brought a beauty that helped us with the pain of life. Peace and comfort to your family friends and fans. You brought so much soul and beauty to us all. What can we give you back but our gratitude and tears to find you on your journey home? You are The King Of Broken Hearts and our hearts are broken. I'm at a loss for words. You were such a hero to us. Thank You. I Love You."

BLUE CHAIR RECORDS/COLUMBIA NASHVILLE artist KENNY CHESNEY wrote, "He had a voice that was the truth, raw and unfiltered. You can’t get any realer, any more tortured or any more alive. No one can do what GEORGE JONES does, and that’s why 50 years later, he still stands out as one of the greatest singers in any genre of all time. We were great friends, but it was really more like a father/son relationship. He even showed up in LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY two years ago to surprise me onstage for my birthday… all the way from NASHVILLE, to surprise me and sing ‘He Stopped Loving Her Today’ with me, which will be one of the greatest memories of my life. When I was just staring out, and I was picked to open the GEORGE JONES-TAMMY WYNETTE REUNION TOUR, I thought I’d made it… Then one night, GEORGE asked me if I was heading home because he and NANCY had a plane, and they’d take me. I remember sitting there on that jet, thinking, ‘This can’t be happening’ because he was GEORGE JONES, and I was some kid from nowhere.’ I’m sure he knew, but he was generous to kids chasing the dream, and I never forgot it.”

ARISTA NASHVILLE artist BRAD PAISLEY posted on TWITLONGER, "GEORGE JONES' life is an example of so many wonderful things; How someone's GOD-given gifts can make this a richer, better place. How one human being can overcome adversity, addiction, and life threatening obstacles time and time again. That it is not the stumble or fall that counts, but the willingness to stand again. How a keen sense of humor and a twinkle in a person's eye can still prevail even after all of life's hard knocks. How mistakes, missteps, and bad choices are not the end of the world if a person chooses to turn them into something good. And GEORGE's life is above all the strongest example of how the love of a great woman can get a man through anything. All of this made its way beautifully into every note of the greatest voice Country music will ever know and one of the greatest friends you could ever have. We miss you already, GEORGE."

Country superstar DOLLY PARTON said, " “My heart is absolutely broken. GEORGE JONES was my all-time favorite singer and one of my favorite people in the world. My heart goes out to NANCY and the rest of his family.”

WARNER MUSIC NASHVILLE duo, BIG & RICH's JOHN RICH said, “To lose him, Country music, we lost our ELVIS. In my opinion, that for me that was our ELVIS that was the guy. Any Country artist that’s come on the scene in the past thirty years will tell you there’s GEORGE JONES DNA in their music, it’s in their head, It’s the standard to which you hold yourself to as a Country artist if you’re a true Country artist. His approach to a vocal, to an interpretation of a lyric, was so penetrating. You know he didn’t practice those notes. They just came flying out of his mouth and out of his soul and body-slammed anybody who ever heard it. And once it was recorded, that recording was magic.”

Country star GARTH BROOKS stated, “The greatest voice to ever grace Country music will never die. JONES has a place in every heart that ever loved any kind of music.”

EMI NASHVILLE artist ALAN JACKSON stated, "Well, heaven better get ready for some great Country music. While GEORGE JONES was known for his wild and crazy days, I’ve known him for 25 years as a friend. He had grown into a real good man. Of course, he will always be the greatest singer and interpreter of real Country music – there’ll never be another. Like the song says, ‘You know this old world is full of singers, but just a few are chosen to tear your heart out when they sing. Imagine life without them… Who’s gonna fill their shoes.’”

WARNER MUSIC NASHVILLE artist BLAKE SHELTON TWEETED, "Really REALLY bad news. We've lost a Country music legend. And I've lost a hero and a friend.  Goodbye GEORGE JONES..."

Country star LORETTA LYNN said, "It’s a sad day for Country music and a great loss for those of us who knew him. I was blessed to call GEORGE my friend. He was one of the best Country singers there ever was. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, NANCY, and all of his family. It’s a sad, sad day.”

CAPITOL NASHVILLE artist KEITH URBAN posted a video message about GEORGE JONES via YOUTUBE, here. KEITH also posted, "If I'm blessed enough to make it there, I look forward to you giving me the grand tour. Rest in peace GEORGE JONES!!!!!"

WARNER MUSIC NASHVILLE artist FAITH HILL TWEETED, "We lost one of the best voices GOD created this morning. Our hearts are saddened to hear that GEORGE JONES has passed away..."

Those who would like to leave their condolences may email the JONES family at TheLegend@GeorgeJones.com.

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