The George Jones, Alan Jackson Duet You Never Knew Was Possible


The Grand Ole Opry took two iconic performances of “He Stopped Loving Her Today” and put them together.

The result beats biscuits and gravy!

George Jones is the song’s original performer so fittingly, his 1993 performance leads this new duet. The Possum died on April 26, 2013, and a few days later, Alan Jackson sang this song at the funeral.

It’s this performance that makes the hair on your neck stand tall.

See the full video below and relive the moment if you were able to see either in person or via livestream the first time around.

  • The collaboration is one of 20 songs on Opry 100: Country’s Greatest Songs, an album project set for Nov. 7.
  • Performances from the late Marty Robbins, Patsy Cline, John Cash and Loretta Lynn are also highlights.
  • The Opry released the Jones/Jackson song to YouTube on Monday.

Related: The 50 Greatest Classic Country Artists

Jones’ funeral was kind of epic. Not only did Jackson perform this all-timer, Vince Gill tried to perform “Go Rest High on That Mountain” with Patty Loveless, but broke down in tears. She ended up carrying the song in what is remembered as a tremendously generous, raw life moment. Some call it among his best.

“He Stopped Loving Her Today” would win George Jones a Grammy Award, as well as ACM and CMA Awards in 1980-81. It’s perhaps the greatest country song of all time, and it has certainly endured.

This video is also a snapshot of Jackson, a Country Music Hall of Famer who a few years later would admit his own health struggles. A disease called Charcot-Marie-Tooth has forced him to quit touring as of mid-2025.

Here is the full Opry 100: Country’s Greatest Songs tracklisting. The album was put together to celebrate 100 years of the Grand Ole Opry.

1. Ashley McBryde, “Your Cheatin’ Heart” (2024)
2. Marty Robbins, Marty Stuart, “El Paso” (1981 / 2024)
3. Patsy Cline, “Crazy” (1962)
4. Johnny Cash, “Ring of Fire” (1967)
5. Loretta Lynn, “Coal Miner’s Daughter” (1985)
6. Darius Rucker, “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” (2021)
7. Dolly Parton, Patty Loveless, Marty Stuart, “I Will Always Love You” (2007)
8. Don Schlitz, Vince Gill, “The Gambler” (2025)
9. Charlie Daniels Band, “Devil Went Down to Georgia” (2015)
10. Oak Ridge Boys, “Elvira” (1980)
11. Luke Combs, “Tennessee Whiskey” (2016)
12. George Jones and Alan Jackson, “He Stopped Loving Her Today” (1993 / 2013)
13. Kelsea Ballerini, “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool” (2025)
14 Randy Travis, “Forever and Ever, Amen” (1989)
15. Keith Whitley, “Don’t Close Your Eyes” (1988)
16. Reba McEntire, “Fancy” (2017)
17. Alan Jackson, “Chattahoochee” (2020)
18. Vince Gill and Patty Loveless, “Go Rest High on That Mountain” (2015)
19. Carrie Underwood, “Jesus, Take The Wheel” (2018)
20. Old Crow Medicine Show, Dom Flemons, Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, “Mama Don’t Allow / Will The Circle Be Unbroken?” (2020)

31 Country Stars You Won’t Believe Aren’t Grand Ole Opry Members

There are 76 members of the Grand Ole Opry as of March 2025, but that doesn’t include 15 living CMA or ACM Entertainers of the Year and several Country Music Hall of Famers. George Strait, Kenny Chesney and Willie Nelson are three legends who rarely play the Grand Ole Opry. Why?

That answer is often difficult to determine, but this list of stars you won’t believe aren’t members suggests reasons where appropriate.

Membership into the Grand Ole Opry comes with an obligation to play the show frequently, but that’s often set aside (Barbara Mandrell is an inactive member, for example). Only living artists are considered, and once a member dies, they are no longer a member.

Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes





Source link

Graham Haring

Graham Haring is a versatile writer with a knack for capturing the heart of country music and the stories that surround it. Covering everything from new song releases by icons like Tim McGraw to unexpected cultural phenomena like "The Waffle House Index," his articles bring a mix of humor, depth, and curiosity to the table. Graham’s work often explores the personal side of country music, highlighting the community, family moments, and heartwarming stories behind the headlines. Whether it’s about Keith Urban's benefit shows or a quirky note from the past, Graham's writing resonates with country fans who appreciate a touch of authenticity and a good story.

Post navigation