BREAKING — George Jones Passes Away at 81

His first number one hit came in 1959 with White Lightning, and he's known as "The Possum". George Jones has passed away this morning at 81 years old.

He was known as one of the most important and influential singers in American popular music history. Best known for his hits "He Stopped Loving Her Today," "The Corvette Song" and "White Lightning," George Jones is one of the best known country singers of his time.

He was admitted into Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn. on April 18 with fever and irregular blood pressure. Jones is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Nancy Jones, his sister Helen Scroggins, and by his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.