George Jones’ Widow Nancy Jones Unveils Statue of Country Legend Outside Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium

In country music, there is seemingly only one thing more selective than earning an induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. That is to get a statue outside the Ryman Auditorium. On Tuesday, June 3, George Jones’ widow, Nancy Jones, helped unveil a statue of her late husband on the Ryman Auditorium’s Icon Walk.

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Nancy Jones took to the Ryman with hundreds of friends, family members, and fans to unveil the piece. In addition to those folks, country music singer and friend of George Jones, Jamey Johnson, was also in attendance. In her address to the crowd, Nancy said, “I’m just so proud to be here and so happy that this is happening because George would be smiling about it,” per People. Once unveiled, the statue showed George Jones in his 60s with his iconic hairdo, which, according to Nancy, “He was so proud of.” Regarding the choice to depict him at this age, Nancy said, “I think that’s what he would’ve wanted.”

Other features on the statue include Jones’ signature glasses, snakeskin boots, a bedazzled Nudie suit, his custom guitar, and a guitar strap that Nancy called “his favorite.” Nancy had a good deal of input on the design, as she guided artist Ben Watts throughout the process.

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Jones’ statue and legacy join only four other country music legends. Aside from Jones, the other musicians featured on the Ryman’s Icon Walk include Loretta Lynn, Charley Pride, Little Jimmy Dickens, and Bill “The Father of Bluegrass” Monroe.

The Ryman’s love for Jones is not one-sided, as George Jones deeply respected the one-of-a-kind music venue as well. Concerning his affinity for the venue, Nancy stated, “It was the only place that I didn’t have to worry about. I wish he could have worked here every weekend because it was the only place he never got drunk. It was like, ‘That’s the Mother Church of Country Music, and you don’t drink there.’”

While the general public already considers George Jones as one of the greatest country musicians of all time, this statue will certainly help bolster that notion even more. Furthermore, it will also prove this fact to people who aren’t as familiar with Jones’ legacy and impact on the genre.

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