About the Song
When George Jones—affectionately known as “The Possum”—passed away in April 2013, the country music world lost one of its greatest voices. But just months later, in November, his legacy was celebrated in a way only befitting a legend.
Held at the Bridgestone Arena in the heart of Nashville, “Playin’ Possum! The Final No Show” was more than just a concert. It was a once-in-a-lifetime gathering of country music royalty, all under one roof to pay tribute to a man who shaped the sound and soul of the genre.
The lineup read like a who’s who of country icons: George Strait, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Emmylou Harris, Kid Rock, Eric Church, Charlie Daniels, Jamey Johnson, and Alan Jackson all took the stage to honor their friend and hero.
Throughout the night, the audience was treated to unforgettable performances of Jones’ timeless classics—“Choices,” “The Grand Tour,” “Golden Ring,” “Blues Man,” and more. But it was the final number that left an indelible mark on every heart in the arena.
As the evening drew to a close, Alan Jackson—a longtime admirer and close friend of Jones—stepped up to the mic to deliver the song many believe is the greatest country song ever written: “He Stopped Loving Her Today.”
Before singing the final chorus, Jackson paused, his voice thick with emotion.
“I know before we leave here tonight that George would like nothin’ better than all these fans here and all the artists here tonight to sing along and help us with the chorus,” he said, turning to welcome Nancy Jones, George’s beloved wife of 30 years, onto the stage.
“This is the greatest country song and the greatest country singer that ever was. Let’s sing one in honor of George.”
The moment Nancy stepped beside him, the crowd rose to its feet. With tears streaming and voices lifted in unison, the arena became a choir of remembrance and love. There wasn’t a dry eye in sight as the final words of that iconic ballad echoed through the walls of the Bridgestone Arena.
It was more than a tribute—it was a heartfelt goodbye from a family of artists and fans to the man whose music will forever define what it means to be country.