Introduction
George Jones, affectionately known as “The Possum,” delivered his final performance on April 6, 2013, at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum in Tennessee. This concert was part of his farewell tour, aptly named “The Grand Tour,” which was intended to culminate in a grand finale in Nashville later that year. However, due to declining health, Jones was only able to complete half of the scheduled dates before passing away on April 26, 2013.
Despite his health challenges, Jones was determined to honor his commitment to his fans. His wife, Nancy Jones, recalled conversations where he expressed his intention to agree to all tour requests, knowing he might not be around to fulfill them. He asked Nancy to promise to organize a tribute show in his memory, stating, “I’m going to agree to anything they ask. Promise me you’ll make a tribute show out of it, and I’ll see it from heaven.”
During his final performance, Jones delivered his signature song, “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” with palpable emotion, despite being visibly frail and seated for much of the show. After the concert, he told Nancy, “I just did my last show. And I gave ’em hell.”
Following his passing, a tribute concert titled “Playin’ Possum! The Final No Show” was held, featuring performances by numerous artists, including Alan Jackson, Vince Gill, and Patty Loveless. The event served as a heartfelt farewell to a country music legend whose influence and legacy continue to resonate with fans and artists alike.
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