As one of the most respected figures in the country music community, Nancy Jones is not just a guardian of her late husband’s legacy; she’s a testament to the power of personal integrity and perseverance.
With a winsome smile and sweet Southern charm that transcends any stage, Nancy is more than just a music icon’s spouse; she’s a phenomenal communicator. Her ability to connect with people, both in public and private, has endeared her to her husband’s fans and colleagues alike. In 2016, she received the prestigious Source Award from the Country Music Association for her role in “Women Behind the Music.”
A gathering took place on Sept. 11, 2023, at Nancy’s elegant hilltop residence in Williamson County, Tennessee. It served the dual purpose of celebrating the release of Nancy’s new book, Playin’ Possum, and commemorating what would have been her husband’s 92nd birthday. Friends from the country music industry, publishing and media worlds, including Claudia Johnson from Country Reunion Magazine, gathered to partake in this special occasion.
Guests were treated to delectable appetizers and a sneak peek of an upcoming movie created from a tribute concert that took place earlier this year in Huntsville, Alabama, when numerous country music luminaries paid homage to Jones by performing renditions of his timeless songs in a sold-out event.
Before cutting the birthday cake, songwriter Billy Yates regaled Nancy’s guests with the captivating tale of penning “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair” and inviting himself to the recording session where Jones laid down the hit.
In collaboration with New York Times best-selling author Ken Abraham, Nancy penned her revelatory work that delves into the depths of Jones’s life and their enduring love story. It’s a narrative that transcends the surface, unearthing the secrets and nuances that defined the man behind the music. Before Nancy signed copies of her book, which she gifted to each guest, Abraham read aloud some of Nancy’s favorite passages, sharing stories that were both poignant and humorous, capturing the essence of Jones’s enduring legacy.
Playin’ Possum illustrates that behind the iconic voice and the legend lay a man grappling with demons – cocaine addiction, alcoholism, abusive behaviors and self-destructive tendencies. For more than 30 years, Nancy stood by George, weathering the storms of fame and infamy, love and turmoil. Their marriage on March 4, 1983, marked the beginning of a transformative journey – one that saw Jones conquering his demons with Nancy’s unwavering support.
While his previous wife, Tammy Wynette, sang “Stand By Your Man,” it was Nancy Jones who embodied the essence of standing by her husband through thick and this – a testament to the enduring power of love, faith and unwavering support. Nancy’s resilience and her belief in the goodness within him propelled Jones toward redemption. Nancy’s story reminds us that even the most legendary figures have their saviors and champions.
This copyrighted story by Claudia Johnson was originally published in Country Reunion Magazine and Country Reunion News.