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.
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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 byShe still preyed upon his mind
Kept her picture on his wallWent half-crazy now and thenBut he still loved her through it allHoping she’d come back againKept some letters by his bedDated nineteen sixty-twoHe had underlined in redEvery single “I love you”Went to see him just todayOh, but I didn’t see no tearsAll dressed up to go awayFirst time I’d seen him smile in yearsAnd he stopped loving her todayThey placed a wreath upon his doorAnd soon they’ll carry him awayHe stopped loving her todayLord, she came to see him one last timeWe all wondered if she wouldIt kept runnin’ through my mind“This time he’s over her for good”He stopped loving her todayThey placed a wreath upon his doorAnd soon they’ll carry him awayHe stopped loving her today