On June 3, 2025, outside the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, a place regarded as the “Mother Church of Country Music” a bronze statue of country legend George Jones was unveiled on the Icon Walk. It was an emotional moment that surprised many fans, as the life-size figure now stands alongside other country icons like Loretta Lynn, Charley Pride, Bill Monroe, and Little Jimmy Dickens.
1. Why Ryman Auditorium?
Ryman hosted the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974. Jones, a beloved Opry member since 1956, performed there countless times and reportedly stayed sober throughout those shows, making it a place he treasured . Installing his statue here cements his permanent connection to a venue that shaped both his career and country music.
2. Creating the statue care & authenticity
Mississippi sculptor Ben Watts spent nearly a year creating the piece. Crucially, Nancy Jones, George’s widow, personally guided the design to reflect him in his early 60s, proud of his coiffed hair, iconic Nudie suit, snakeskin boots, and personalized guitar strap. Nancy said, “This is how he would have wanted to be remembered”.
3. The unveiling ceremony
Around 100 attendees, including friends, industry peers, family, and country artist Jamey Johnson, gathered at the ceremony. Jamey humorously remarked George was “bigger than all the stories about him,” recounting legendary antics and his later sobriety following a near-fatal 1999 crash.
Nancy passionately said, “He’d be smiling down at all of this. It’s the only place I didn’t have to worry about him slipping up.” Her words resonated deeply, leaving many in tears.
4. Preserving a legacy
George Jones (1931–2013) nicknamed “The Possum” boasted over 50 years in music, delivering timeless hits such as “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” “White Lightning,” and “Golden Ring.” A 1956 Grand Ole Opry inductee and 1992 Country Music Hall of Fame member, he’s widely considered one of the greatest country vocalists ever.
The statue serves not just as tribute, but also as a powerful reminder of raw emotion, redemption, and authenticity values George exemplified throughout his life.
5. Looking forward
Following the event, Nancy announced plans to reopen the George Jones Museum closed since 2021 to continue preserving artifacts, memories, and musical heritage. Ryman Hospitality’s Colin Reed presented her with an original, rare photograph of George, reinforcing their joint commitment to safeguarding his legacy.