Nancy Jones Talks New Book About Her Life/Marriage to George Jones

It's been 10 years since legendary country singer George Jones died at the age of 81-years-old. Despite that, the late, great troubadour is still firmly entrenched in the zeitgeist of music and pop culture.

The last two years alone have seen two significant projects dedicated to the country singer known as "the Possum." Last year, Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain headlined the showtime miniseries, George & Tammy, which examined the tumultuous relationship between Jones and fellow country singer Tammy Wynette. This month, a new concert special called Still Playin' Possum: Music and Memories of George Jones will see a release in select theaters.

Also this year, Nancy Jones, who was married to George for over 30 years, until his death in 2013, published a book on her life and marriage to the legend himself. Co-written with Ken Abraham, Playin' Possum: My Memories of George Jones finds Nancy Jones recounting several decades of marriage to the talented-yet-troubled country singer, whose battles with alcohol and drugs became as famous as his music.

I was fortunate enough to speak with Nancy Jones over the phone in lieu of the release of Playin' Possum. We talked extensively about the book, and she shared some vivid details, including one the darkest chapters she had to write.

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Ask anyone who knows country music, “Who was the GOAT—the greatest of all time?” and the answers will inevitably lead to George Jones.

Millions of people know the name of the iconic country music artist, George Jones, but few people know that behind the man and his golden voice was a strong, feisty woman who not only saved his life from cocaine addiction, alcoholism, and other abusive and self-destructive behaviors, but also was instrumental in saving his soul.

Legends, half-truths, and downright lies abound about the iconic singer, but what secrets do people not know about him? What was it like to live with him through the darkest shadows and in the brightest of lights? - per Simon & Schuster's website

After beating a bout with COVID-19 that nearly killed her, Nancy wanted her stories, memories, and insights about George Jones to see the light of day. Playin' Possum: My Memories of George Jones is now available wherever books are sold. She was also an incredibly bright and fun soul to talk to.

Take a listen to my exclusive interview with Nancy Jones below, and read more about Playin' Possum on Simon & Schuster's website.