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Alan Jackson – He Stopped Loving Her Today at George Jones’ Funeral

Throwback To Alan Jackson Performing "He Stopped Loving Her Today" At George Jones' Funeral

About the Song

A Heartfelt Tribute: Alan Jackson Performs “He Stopped Loving Her Today” at George Jones’ Funeral

Country music witnessed a truly poignant moment when Alan Jackson took the stage to pay tribute to the legendary George Jones at his funeral in 2013. The chosen song? None other than “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” a heart-wrenching ballad originally recorded by Jones himself in 1980.

This performance transcended the typical eulogy. Jackson’s rendition of “He Stopped Loving Her Today” wasn’t just a song selection; it was a heartfelt homage to a musical giant and a testament to the enduring power of Jones’ music.

“He Stopped Loving Her Today” holds a special place in country music history. The song’s raw depiction of love, loss, and unwavering devotion resonated deeply with audiences, becoming one of Jones’ signature tunes. Jackson, a self-proclaimed Jones admirer, understood the weight of this selection.

As Jackson’s voice, seasoned with respect and a touch of melancholy, filled the venue, the emotional impact was undeniable. The song’s poignant lyrics about unwavering love took on a new layer of meaning in this context, serving as a powerful goodbye to a beloved artist.

This wasn’t just Jackson performing a hit song; it was a student honoring a master, an inheritor of a musical legacy, carrying the torch forward. The performance became a cultural touchstone, a testament to the deep well of respect that exists within the country music community.

Beyond the emotional weight, Jackson’s rendition showcased his own remarkable talent. His vocals channeled the essence of Jones’ style, capturing the heartfelt ache and storytelling prowess that made the original so iconic.

Alan Jackson’s performance of “He Stopped Loving Her Today” at George Jones’ funeral was more than just a song; it was a moment of musical history. It solidified Jackson’s place as a worthy successor and offered a poignant farewell to a country music legend.Alan Jackson - He Stopped Loving Her Today at George Jones' Funeral

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Lyrics: He Stopped Loving Her Today

He said “I’ll love you till I die”
She told him “you’ll forget in time”
As the years went slowly by
She still preyed upon his mind
Kept her picture on his wall
Went half-crazy now and then
But he still loved her through it all
Hoping she’d come back again
Kept some letters by his bed
Dated nineteen sixty-two
He had underlined in red
Every single “I love you”
Went to see him just today
Oh, but I didn’t see no tears
All dressed up to go away
First time I’d seen him smile in years
And he stopped loving her today
They placed a wreath upon his door
And soon they’ll carry him away
He stopped loving her today
Lord, she came to see him one last time
We all wondered if she would
It kept runnin’ through my mind
“This time he’s over her for good”
He stopped loving her today
They placed a wreath upon his door
And soon they’ll carry him away
He stopped loving her today

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By 1982, Lew DeWitt knew the road was becoming too much. For years, he had been one of the voices that gave the Statler Brothers their unmistakable sound. His high harmony stood out immediately, and he had also written one of the group’s biggest songs, “Flowers on the Wall,” which helped bring them national attention in the 1960s. What many fans did not see was how much pain he was dealing with away from the stage. DeWitt had lived with Crohn’s disease since he was young. Touring meant long drives, late nights, irregular meals, and very little rest, all of which became harder on his body as the years went on. He kept performing for as long as he could, but eventually there came a point when continuing full time was no longer realistic. That left him with a difficult choice. Rather than hold on until the group was forced into a crisis, Lew helped prepare Jimmy Fortune to take over his part. Fortune was younger and still finding his place, but DeWitt took the time to work with him and help make the change easier for everyone. It was not simply about replacing a voice. The Statler Brothers had spent years building a sound based on four very different singers working closely together. Lew understood that if the group was going to continue, the transition had to feel natural instead of rushed. Jimmy Fortune eventually became a major part of the group’s next chapter, but Lew’s role in that handoff is easy to overlook. After leaving the Statlers, DeWitt still made music when his health allowed it. He recorded solo material and continued writing, even though he could no longer live the demanding touring life he once had. He died in 1990 at the age of 52. For many fans, Lew DeWitt will always be remembered for that clear tenor and for songs like “Flowers on the Wall.” But there was another side to his story too. When his health forced him to leave the group he had helped build, he made sure the music could continue without him. That may have been one of the quietest contributions he ever made.

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