Music

Country Stars Remember George Jones

"The world has lost the greatest country singer of all time," says Merle Haggard

By April 26, 2013
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Jodi Cobb / Getty Images

Nashville stars, past and current, paid tribute to the legendary singer, who died on Friday, April 26.

(READ: George Jones, Country Legend, Dead at 81)

(READ: George Jones: 7 Essential Tracks)

Vince Gill: “There aren’t words in our language to describe the depth of his greatness.  I’ll miss my kind and generous friend.”

Garth Brooks: “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.”

Alan Jackson: “Well, heaven better get ready for some great country music. While George 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.’”

Hank Williams Jr.: “Today is a sad day in Country music.  We have lost another piece of history.  George Jones was not only a good singer, but was a good friend.  He will be missed by many.”

Merle Haggard: “The world has lost the greatest country singer of all time. Amen.”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxnDEd3vlno]

Randy Travis: “I am very thankful I got to know George, he’s one of the greatest singers that ever lived.  I actually loved the man and really enjoyed the time I got to spend with he and Nancy.”

Dolly Parton: “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 all his family and friends.”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3-9Id1xOQM]

Kenny Rogers: “George Jones will always be one of the most amazing singers who ever lived.  He was a true Country Music legend who made music very personal to the listener – I think more than anyone else.  He will be dearly missed, but always remembered.”

Travis Tritt:  “I am just devastated by the news that George Jones has passed away! The music world has lost one of the most original and innovative talents that the world has ever known. I feel such a personal loss of not only one of the greatest vocal influences of my life, but also I’ve lost a dear friend. Visits with George have always been full of joy and laughter. Every time I would see him, George would always greet me with a funny story or a joke! His legacy will put his name at the top of the most influential artists in history, right along with Hank Williams, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings. His voice will be influencing singers 100 years from now and beyond! I’m reminded of the lyrics that Waylon wrote in the tune ‘It’s Alright.’ ‘If we all sang like we wanted to, we’d all sound like George Jones!’”

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