Tributes to Jones roll in

"George Jones' life is an example of so many wonderful thing," said Brad Paisley. "How someone's God-given gifts can make this a richer, better place. How one human being can overcome adversity, addiction, and life threatening obstacles time and time again. That it is not the stumble or fall that counts, but the willingness to stand again. How a keen sense of humor and a twinkle in a person's eye can still prevail even after all of life's hard knocks. How mistakes, missteps, and bad choices are not the end of the world if a person chooses to turn them into something good. And George's life is above all the strongest example of how the love of a great woman can get a man through anything. All of this made its way beautifully into every note of the greatest voice country music will ever know. And one of the greatest friends you could ever have. We miss you already, George."

Alan Jackson was a disciple of Jones. "Well, heaven better get ready for some great country music. While George was known for his wild and crazy days, I've known him for 25 years as a friend. He had grown into a real good man. Of course, he will always be the greatest singer and interpreter of real country music - there'll never be another. Like the song says, 'You know this old world is full of singers, but just a few are chosen to tear your heart out when they sing. Imagine life without them...Who's gonna fill their shoes.'"

"It's a sad day for country music and a great loss for those of us who knew him," said Loretta Lynn. "I was blessed to call George my friend. He was one of the best country singers there ever was. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Nancy, and all of his family. It's a sad, sad day."

""My heart is absolutely broken," said Dolly Parton. "George Jones was my all time favorite singer and one of my favorite people in the world. My heart goes out to Nancy and all his family and friends."

""I am very thankful I got to know George, he's one of the greatest singers that ever lived," said Randy Travis. "I actually loved the man and really enjoyed the time I got to spend with he and Nancy."