When George Jones — one of country music’s all-time greats — passed away on April 26, 2013, the entire genre felt the loss. Just days later, on May 2, the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville became the stage for one of the most emotional tributes country music has ever seen.
The memorial was filled with heartfelt stories, classic George Jones songs, and performances from some of the biggest names in the business. But the moment that truly stood still in time came when Vince Gill and Patty Loveless stepped forward to sing “Go Rest High on That Mountain.”
The song is already known as a staple at memorials, but this performance hit differently.
As Vince Gill began the first verse, gently strumming his acoustic guitar, you could feel the weight of his grief. His voice was tender and shaky. When Patty Loveless joined in on the chorus, the emotion grew even stronger—and suddenly, Gill couldn’t hold it in any longer. His voice cracked. Tears took over.
Loveless, clearly moved as well, placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, helping carry the song forward as the audience sat in silence, many wiping their own tears.
Then, as if the moment needed no words, Gill let his guitar do the talking. Even through his tears, he didn’t miss a note. He gently played a solo after the fiddle break, pausing just once to wipe his face, but never letting go of the music.
The crowd, deeply touched, rose to their feet in support—not just for George Jones, but for the raw honesty of what they had just witnessed.
Years later, Gill looked back on that moment.
“I sang at George’s memorial, and I fell apart singing ‘Go Rest High on That Mountain’ with Patty Loveless,” he said.
“It was kind of neat to see the rook take a deep breath and fall apart, too. That room was stoic until I did, and it gave them permission to let it out.”
It wasn’t just a performance. It was a shared moment of grief, love, and music at its most human. A true farewell to a legend — from one country great to another.