Brad Paisley:“George Jones’s life is an example of so many wonderful things. 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."

• Kenny Chesney: "We were great friends, but it was really more like a father-son relationship. He even showed up in Lexington, Kentucky two years ago to surprise me onstage for my birthday...all the way from Nashville, to surprise me and sing 'He Stopped Loving Her Today' with me, which will be one of the greatest memories of my life."
• Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts: “He was the greatest country vocalist that ever lived! Through the years we have all tried to emulate the passion in his voice, but no one can fill his shoes."
• Alan Jackson: “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.’”
• Loretta Lynn:“It’s a sad day for country music and a great loss for those of us who knew him. 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.”
• Easton Corbin: “I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of one of my all-time heroes, George Jones. George's music was real, and he was able to touch thousands through his songs. Not only was he a great singer, but he also had the ability to make you relate to every one of his songs, no matter who you are. He and his music will remain timeless in the world of country music. My thoughts and prayers are with his family through this difficult time."  
• Barbara Mandrell: "I believe if you ask any singer who was the greatest country music singer of all time, they would say 'George Jones.' He was without question and by far the best! I first met and worked with him when I was 13 years old; I am so very grateful that he was my friend." 
• Tracy Lawrence: "I am so saddened by the news of George Jones's passing. He was a wonderful friend, and I will always treasure the times we had together. My thoughts and prayers are with Nancy and the entire family. George left a tremendous mark on country music and inspired us all. I will miss him. God bless you, George."
• Trisha Yearwood: "The Yearwood-Brooks household is sad today. Rest in peace, George Jones. Our hearts go out to Nancy and family. There are some shoes that just can't be filled."

George Jones has passed away at the age of 81. The Possum, as he was affectionately called, died at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.  Our thoughts and prayers to his family and the entire country music community.

Congratulations to Dierks Bentley and his wife Cassie!  They're expecting their third baby this year. 

Some web sites are reporting that this may be the next Taylor mansion.  It's located in Rhode Island and is 11,000 square feet.  Price tag?  24 million.

Joe Nichols tweeted this picture of his baby girl, Dylan, on her first birthday.