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.

Video 

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