The George Jones, a downtown Nashville restaurant, museum and rooftop bar, is closing its doors.
The announcement was made on Monday via Facebook with an official statement from the company.
“The George Jones Restaurant, Museum and Rooftop started with the intention to have a place where George Jones fans could come and share in the journey of Possum’s life and music – enjoy great food, drinks and live country performances – all with the amazing backdrop of southern hospitality and warmth,” the statement begins.
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“During the last several years, we have met many of you, shared stories and bonded not only over George Jones, but over country music, Nashville and the spirit of all that encompasses. We are so grateful to all of you for that,” the message continued.
The company went on to site the events that have unfolded over the past two years, including the Christmas day bombing on 2nd Avenue, as the reason for the closing.
A shortage employees and supply issues also contributed to the decision.
“For these reasons, it is with a heavy heart that we announce we are closing The George Jones Entertainment Venue after a beautiful run,” the message reads.
The company behind The George Jones promised fans that all of the contents of the museum were “being handled with care” and that the is “more to come on where this exhibit will land next.”
The post concluded with a message to everyone who has visited The George Jones over the years: “We would like to extend a big THANK YOU to all of the fans, guests, staff (present and past) local partners and friends that have come through our doors over the last few years. We feel so fortunate to have shared terrific memories, food, drink and music.”
Fans Share Their Disappointment
The statement brought in hundreds of comments as fans of the establishment shared their sadness over the news.
“This is so sad… we’ve only been to Nashville twice, and both times we have made a stop there for some drinks and music,” wrote one Facebook user.
Another shared, “This is heartbreaking.. we went to visit Nashville NYE one year and pretty much stayed there the entire time, we loved it!”
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According to Williamson Source, The George Jones spanned more than 44,000 square feet. The museum featured extensive displays of memorabilia, including photos, videos and interactive experiences.
The late George Jones was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992. He scored his first No.1 single with “White Lightnin’.”
Jones went on to release multiple hits, including his seminal song, “He Stopped Loving Her Today.”
He remains one of country music’s most awarded entertainers with two GRAMMYs and multiple Billboard, CMA and ACM Awards. In 2008, Jones was a recipient of the distinguished Kennedy Center Honors for lifetime achievement.
He passed away on Friday, April 26, 2013 in Nashville.
