When Nancy Jones stepped onto that stage beside Alan Jackson, time stood still. The moment she began singing the song that defined her late husband, George Jones, emotions flooded the arena like a tidal wave. You could search every corner of that crowd—there wasn’t a single dry eye.

After George Jones passed away in April of 2013, his most famous peers came together to honor him at a special event that November.

Titled Playin’ Possum! The Final No Show Tribute To George Jones held at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, the tribute included performances from George Strait, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Emmylou Harris, Kid Rock, Eric Church, Charlie Daniels, Jamey Johnson, and Alan Jackson.

All of Jones’ hits from “Choices” to “Blues Man” to “The Grand Tour” to “Golden Ring” were performed, but the highlight of the night had to be Alan Jackson closing out the show with what some people call the greatest country music song of all time, “He Stopped Loving Her Today.”

Jones meant a whole lot to Jackson, who considered The Possum his hero as well as his friend. In fact, just after finding out about his death, Jackson performed the song as his show that night to pay tribute to the late legend.

While closing out the tribute concert, Jackson paused before singing the final chorus.

“I know before we leave here tonight that George would like nothin’ better than all these fans here and all the artists here tonight to sing along and help us with the chorus. This is the greatest country song and the greatest country singer that ever was,” he said as he invited Jones’ widow, Nancy, to join him at his microphone.

“Let’s sing one in honor of George,” he continued.

There couldn’t have been a dry eye in that entire arena after Nancy walked on stage, singing her husband of 30 years’ most iconic song. Watch the emotional performance below.

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