New Live Version of ‘He Stopped Loving Her Today’ Features George Jones and Alan Jackson

Two of country music’s most iconic voices, George Jones and Alan Jackson, have come together for a powerful new live version of Jones’ iconic hit “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” released in celebration of the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th anniversary.

This just-released collaboration blends two unforgettable moments that could only take place on the Opry stage. It begins with Jones’ stirring 1993 live performance of his signature hit from the Opry’s hallowed circle and transitions seamlessly into Jackson’s emotional rendition from Jones’ 2013 funeral, where he honored his hero by performing the timeless song to close the service.

“He Stopped Loving Her Today” is widely regarded as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, songs in country music history. Released in the spring of 1980 as the lead single from George Jones’ album I Am What I Am, the track marked a major comeback, becoming his first No. 1 hit in six years. At the time, Jones’ career had been in decline following his divorce from Tammy Wynette.

The heartbreaking ballad tells the story of a man left by the woman he loved. When she walked away, he promised, “I’ll love you ‘til I die,” a vow she doubted, saying, “You’ll forget in time.” But he never did. He kept her letters, clung to her memory, and loved her until the day they laid him to rest.

The song not only topped the charts but also swept the awards circuit. It earned Jones a GRAMMY for Best Male Country Vocal Performance, as well as ACM Song and Single of the Year. Impressively, it won the CMA Award for Song of the Year in both 1980 and 1981.

From the moment Jackson stepped onto the country music scene, he named Jones as a major influence. His music even inspired the legend to write a now-famous note, once displayed at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, thanking Jackson for “Keepin’ It Country.”

Out on November 7, OPRY 100: Country’s Greatest Songs is a one-of-a-kind album honoring 100 years of the Opry and featuring 20 never-before-released live recordings from its legendary stage. The first single from the star-studded collection was “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” performed by Ashley McBryde and originally recorded by Hank Williams in 1952. 

 OPRY 100: Country’s Greatest Songs Track Listing:

1.  “Your Cheatin’ Heart” – Ashley McBryde (2024)

2.  “El Paso” – Marty Robbins and Marty Stuart (1981 / 2024) (Full circle mix)

3.  “Crazy” – Patsy Cline (1962)

4.  “Ring of Fire” – Johnny Cash (1967)

5.  “Coal Miner’s Daughter” – Loretta Lynn (1985)

6.  “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’” – Darius Rucker (2021)

7.  “I Will Always Love You” – Dolly Parton (feat. Patty Loveless and Marty Stuart) (2007)

8.  “The Gambler” – Don Schlitz (feat. Vince Gill) (2025)

9.  “Devil Went Down to Georgia” – The Charlie Daniels Band (2015)

10. “Elvira” – The Oak Ridge Boys (1980)

11. “Tennessee Whiskey” – Luke Combs (2016)

12.“He Stopped Loving Her Today (Full Circle Mix)” – George Jones and Alan Jackson (1993 / 2013)

13.“I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool” – Kelsea Ballerini (2025)

14“Forever and Ever, Amen” – Randy Travis (1989)

15.“Don’t Close Your Eyes” – Keith Whitley (1988)

16.“Fancy” – Reba McEntire (2017)

17. “Chattahoochee” – Alan Jackson (2020)

18. “Go Rest High on That Mountain” – Vince Gill (feat. Patty Loveless) (2015)

19. “Jesus, Take The Wheel” – Carrie Underwood (2018)

20.“Mama Don’t Allow / Will The Circle Be Unbroken?” – Old Crow Medicine Show, Dom Flemons, Billy Strings, and Molly Tuttle (2020)