Playing Possum: Statue Of George Jones Added To Ryman Auditorium’s Icon Walk

Ryman Auditorium unveiled the latest addition to its Icon Walk with a statue honoring George Jones, who is lauded as one of the most influential voices in country music history.

Created to honor those who have made significant contributions to Nashville and the historic auditorium, Jones’ bronze statue joins the likenesses of Charley Pride, Loretta Lynn, Little Jimmy Dickens and the Father of Blue Grass Bill Monroe in the permanent outdoor exhibition.

“The Ryman was one of George’s favorite places to play music,” said his widow, Nancy Jones. “He truly revered it as the Mother Church and loved the acoustics. To have his legacy live on here permanently, and to see all the people who joined us today and continue to embrace him and his music, means so much to our family.”

For the project, the Ryman tapped artist Ben Watts, the talent behind the existing four statues. Each detailed likeness takes approximately one year to complete. Jones’ statue can be found on the northwest corner of the building near the venue’s driveway on Fifth Avenue next to the likeness of Charley Pride, Loretta Lynn and Bill Monroe. Little Jimmy Dickens’ statue stands atop the Ryman’s main steps facing Fourth Avenue.

“Today, we add another legendary artist to the Ryman’s Icon Walk by bringing forth George Jones, who had a fabulous career and is revered as one of the greats,” said Colin Reed, Executive Chairman Ryman Hospitality Properties.  “The Ryman and the Opry were lucky to be a part of George’s story for so many years, so we feel it is only fitting to have George added here among these other stars who have made a lasting impression on country music.”

A Grand Ole Opry member since 1956 and a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame since 1992, Jones graced the Ryman stage across multiple decades before his death in 2013. The statue unveiling coincides with celebrations surrounding the Opry’s 100th anniversary and was attended by Nancy Jones, Jones’ daughter Susan Smith and country star Jamey Johnson, who honored the legend during the unveiling.

“George Jones was probably one of the most pure fans of country music that ever existed,” Johnson said. “He loved country music. He loved singing. I know if he were here today, he’d be proud but he’d also be very humbled. So, on behalf of George Jones, I’m going to say, thank you all for making this happen for him. What an unbelievable icon of country music.”