George Jones: Career in Pictures

“He Stopped Loving Her Today” was one of Jones’ best-known hits. (Mark Humphrey / Associated Press)

April 26, 2013 10:39 AM PT

George Jones, 81, died Friday in Nashville, a little more than a week after being hospitalized for a fever and irregular blood pressure, ending a long, tumultuous life that frequently outstripped the songs he sang in terms of sheer drama. Read obituary

Jones at his 75th birthday celebration at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tenn. From left, Joe Diffie; Jones’ wife, Nancy; Craig Morgan; Jones; Tanya Tucker; and Joe Nichols. (Mark Humphrey / Associated Press)

Garth Brooks, left, and Jones, center, perform their duet “Beer Run” at the Country Music Assn. Awards. (M. Spencer Green / Associated Press)

Jones struggled with alcohol and drug abuse, multiple marriages and divorces and lawsuits over his erratic behavior. (Mark Humphrey / Associated Press)