The Possum

It was on this date (July 5) in 1980 that the George Jones' hit "He Stopped Loving Her Today" went to number one on the Billboard Country Music Chart.

A man and his best friend -- reunited!

Beloved country star George Jones will forever be remembered as Possum, thanks to Randy Travis, who debuted a deeply moving song in tribute to the iconic singer, appropriately titled 'Tonight I'm Playin' Possum.'

Naomi Judd feels CMT did George Jones a disservice by limiting their tribute to the Possum during the 2013 CMT Music Awards. In addition to the short time allotted for the dedication, the legend was critical of the group the network chose to perform Jones' music.

The late George Jones was a legend in country music, and his impact on the genre will live on in more ways than one. Soon, a monument will be constructed for Jones at Woodlawn Cemetery, where he is buried.

George Jones was aware of his legacy at least as far back as 2005. That's when he conducted an interview with Taste of Country sister station WGNA in Albany, N.Y. and talked about how he'd like to be remembered. The Possum considered the good and bad of how he'd lived and summed it up for his audience.

In honor of George Jones' illustrious country music career, the Academy of Country Music put together a short reel of the Possum's best moments at the ACM Awards. The clip honors Jones' ACM wins and most memorable performances from the 1970s and 1980s.

Country superstar Alan Jackson closed out George Jones' funeral service in Nashville last Thursday with a fitting version of 'He Stopped Loving Her Today.' Now, the Grand Ole Opry has placed the video online for fans to enjoy.

George Jones' death has sent millions of country music fans searching through old photographs and memories to revisit a time when they fell under the spell of the Possum.

Still reeling from the news that George Jones passed away on Friday, April 26, Alan Jackson took some time to pay tribute to The Possum last weekend. During a stop on his current tour, Jackson covered 'He Stopped Loving Her Today' for a mesmerized crowd in Birmingham, Ala.

George Jones was laid to rest on Thursday (May 2). After a nearly three-hour-long celebration of his life at the Grand Ole Opry, the country legend was buried during a service at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Nashville. It was an emotional day, but not one without a few smiles -- and even bursts of laughter -- as friends, family and fans shared memories of the Possum.

Since the news of George Jones' passing, several country artists have shared stories and paid tribute to the country legend on stage.