Country music is known for its heartbreakers. However, only a handful of songs through the years can truly be considered the saddest. In a recent poll conducted by David Hookstead for OutKick, a number of country fans were asked which of country music’s best penned the saddest country song of all time.
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With nearly 200 comments in the X post polling, choosing the most-voted song was no easy task. There were quite a few contenders. A number of voters picked Chris Stapleton’s “Maggie’s Song” and Johnny Cash’s iconic acoustic country cover of “Hurt” by rock band Nine Inch Nails. “If You’re Reading This” by Tim McGraw came in third. The runner-up on the poll was the tear-jerker “Whiskey Lullaby” by Brad Paisley.
However, one song came out on top with the majority of votes. That song would be George Jones’ heartbreaking tune “He Stopped Loving Her Today”.
George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today” Was Voted Saddest Country Song of All Time
“He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones is a really heartbreaking tune, according to the above poll. However, it’s also considered by many to be one of the greatest country songs of all time, period. Upon its release in the 80s, it quickly became a no. 1 for Jones and a highlight of his career.
This tear-jerker tells the story of a man whose true love leaves him. In his grief, he refuses to let go and vows to love her until the day he dies. He even goes as far as to keep letters and photos of the pair in the hopes that she will return.
The lyrics “All dressed up to go away / First time I’d seen him smile in years” allude to the death of the man. His lost love in question attends the funeral. The title of the song likely references the fact that he loved her until he died; hence, “He Stopped Loving Her Today” because his life came to an end. It doesn’t get sadder than that.
“He Stopped Loving Her Today” was written by Curly Putman and Bobby Braddock for Jones’ 1980 album I Am What I Am. It made a resurgence in popularity after Jones passed away in 2013, when it reentered the Hot Country Songs chart decades after its first release.
At Jones’ funeral, Alan Jackson covered the song at his service. George Strait also joined Jackson for a rendition of the ballad at the CMA Awards that year as well.
Photo by Ebet Roberts/Redferns
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