George Jones, country music superstar, interrupted what he announced would be his last musical tour to die, at age 81, marking the end of a career of mournful and poignant country music career that had as many as 150 hits. After a lifetime of enchanting the world with his lungs, beginning with his singing as a kid, by which he could even get free bus rides, his lungs finally gave out, and the ultimate cause of his death was “Hypoxic Respiratory Failure,” or the failure of his lungs to oxygenate his body.
“Well, heaven better get ready for some great country music,” country superstar Alan Jackson told TMZ. “While George was known for his wild and crazy days, I’ve known him for 25 years as a friend. He had grown into a real good man. Of course, he will always be the greatest singer and interpreter of real country music – there’ll never be another.”
“Like the song says, ‘you know this old world is full of singers, but just a few are chosen to tear your heart out when they sing. Imagine life without them … who’s gonna fill their shoes.’”
The reference to George’s wild days refers to his 4 marriages, perhaps, but definitely to trashing hotel rooms, and his drinking binges and drug use. “No-show Jones” was one of his nicknames, after he would miss shows due to intoxication.
Nevertheless, he will probably be remembered most for his mournful and poignant singing, and his status as Country Music legend. He is survived by his four children and his fourth wife of 30 years.