George Jones, Country Music Icon, Dead at 81

Country music legend George Jones died on Friday at a Nashville hospital a week after falling ill with a fever and irregular blood pressure, a representative has confirmed. He was 81.

The "Possum," as he was known, died at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

In a career that lasted more than half a century, Jones recorded more than 150 albums and became the champion and symbol of traditional country music, a well-lined link to his hero, Hank Williams.

The Country Music Hall of Famer produced hits in five decades, including "The Grand Tour," "‪If Drinkin' Don't Kill Me (Her Memory Will)‬," "Walk Through This World With Me," "Tender Years" and "He Stopped Loving Her Today," widely regarded as the format's best song ever.

Jones is survived by his wife of 30 years, Nancy Jones, his sister Helen Scroggins, and by his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.