George Jones – He Stopped Loving Her Today

Now that’s a song that will pull on your heartstrings for sure. Released in 1980, it became a landmark moment in country music history, not just for Jones’ career, but for the genre itself.

Here’s the thing about George Jones. By 1980, he was already a country music legend. Nicknamed “The Possum” for his distinctive, almost pinched tenor, Jones had built a reputation for singing about heartbreak, alcoholism, and the rough realities of life. His voice, raw and powerful, could convey a depth of emotion unmatched by many.

But “He Stopped Loving Her Today” took things to a whole new level. Written by Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman, the song tells the story of a man clinging to a love that’s long gone. We hear about his promises to love “till I die,” her prediction that he’ll forget, and the years that slowly chip away at him. He keeps her picture on the wall, letters by his bed, a constant reminder of what he’s lost.

The narrator, perhaps a friend or neighbor, observes the man’s decline. There are no tears, just a strange smile as he prepares to finally let go. The powerful line, “He stopped loving her today”, delivered with Jones’ signature ache, sends shivers down your spine. It’s not a joyous release, but a heavy acceptance, a letting go after years of emotional torture.

The final verse throws another curveball. The woman, the one he loved so fiercely, finally comes to see him. We’re left wondering if this is a moment of reconciliation, or a final goodbye. The song ends with the haunting refrain, “He stopped loving her today”, leaving the listener to ponder the depths of love, loss, and the emotional toll they take.

“He Stopped Loving Her Today” was a critical and commercial smash. It went against the grain of typical happy-go-lucky country fare, tackling a difficult subject matter with unflinching honesty. Jones’ performance is nothing short of phenomenal. His voice cracks with emotion, perfectly capturing the man’s pain and resignation.

The song has garnered numerous accolades, consistently topping “greatest country song” lists and even landing a spot on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” It’s a testament to the power of storytelling in music, and George Jones’ ability to deliver a song that resonates with the human experience in all its messy glory.

Video

Lyrics

“He Stopped Loving Her Today”