Introduction
“He Stopped Loving Her Today,” written by Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman and released by George Jones in April 1980 as the lead single from his album I Am What I Am, is widely regarded as the greatest country song of all time . Recorded in 1979, it marked Jones’s return to prominence after six years without a No. 1 hit . Jones originally disliked the song—calling it morbid—and even resisted recording it until urged by producer Billy Sherrill . Despite that, the song’s brooding narrative of undying devotion—even in death—resonated deeply with audiences.
When it finally reached No. 1, it stayed there many weeks, earning George Jones a Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 1980, and sweeping awards including CMA and ACM Song of the Year for two consecutive years . Its success revitalized his floundering career and even convinced Epic/CBS to renew his contract .
George Jones passed away on April 26, 2013, and his funeral was held six days later at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House. Alan Jackson delivered a tear‑filled performance of “He Stopped Loving Her Today” to close the service—a deeply emotional tribute to his friend and idol.
Later that year, at the November 6, 2013 CMA Awards, country icons Alan Jackson and George Strait performed the song together as an onstage tribute. Strait provided guitar and harmony alongside Jackson, while images of Jones’s life flashed behind them. The performance was introduced by Brad Paisley and widely praised for its emotional power and reverence .
This duet remains one of the most memorable live tributes in country music history—an act of respect by two living legends for a man they universally revered.