George Jones died at the age of 81 yesterday (April 26).

The legendary country music star was admitted to Vanderbilt University Medical Centre in Nashville, Tennessee on April 18 after suffering from a serious fever and irregular blood pressure. He failed to recover from the illness and passed away on April 26.

Before being taken ill and entering hospital the ‘He Stopped Loving Her Today’ American singer had undertaken his final tour after which he was planning to retire.

During his five decades in music, Jones released in excess of 150 records. He also scored US number one singles in the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. In 1992 he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. By 2012 he received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Jones’ personal life was marred by well-known bouts of alcoholism and drug addiction. Both served as subject matters for many of his songs but also affected his career. He earned the nickname “No Show Jones” due to his frequent cancellations of live shows. 

He was married four times but most famously to fellow country star, Tammy Wynette (see picture below). Their six year union was a great commercial success as the two recorded and toured together but was also infamously tumultuous.

George Jones is survived by his wife and four children. 

Watch George Jones perform 'White Lightening' below: