During a ceremony on Tuesday (June 3), George Jones‘ widow, Nancy, helped unveil a statue of the country icon at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. The event was attended by around 100 family, friends, and fans, with the 76-year-old Nancy expressing her joy about the wonderful tribute to her late husband. “I’m just so proud to be here and so happy that this is happening because George would be smiling about it,” she said. Jones takes his rightful place alongside statues honoring country music legends Charley Pride, Loretta Lynn, Bill Monroe, and Little Jimmy Dickens as part of the Ryman’s outdoor Icon Walk. The life-size bronze sculpture – created by Mississippi artist Ben Watts – captures George in his 60s, reflecting his onstage persona with signature features such as his coiffed hair (“He was so proud of that hairdo,” Nancy said), snakeskin boots, a bedazzled Nudie suit, along with a custom guitar strap holding a personalized acoustic guitar. Fellow Opry member Jamey Johnson was also on hand to honor George’s “larger-than-life” career and personality. (People)
