About the song

George Jones – He Stopped Loving Her Today is widely regarded as one of the greatest country songs of all time. Released in 1980, this heartbreaking ballad became the defining song of George Jones’ career and a cornerstone of country music history. Written by Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman, the song tells the devastating story of a man who never stopped loving a woman who left him, holding on to hope until the very end—his love only ceasing with his death.

At its core, He Stopped Loving Her Today is a masterclass in storytelling. The song unfolds slowly, revealing the depth of the man’s unshakable devotion. The lyrics initially suggest a sense of optimism, describing how the man kept reminders of his lost love, hoping she might return. But the painful truth is unveiled in the chorus: he “stopped loving her today” because he had passed away. This revelation transforms the song from a tale of longing into one of tragic finality.

What truly elevates the song, however, is George Jones’ raw and emotionally charged delivery. Known for his expressive voice and unparalleled ability to convey heartbreak, Jones gives a performance that feels deeply personal. At the time of recording, he was battling personal demons, including substance abuse, and many believe that his own struggles added an extra layer of authenticity to the song. Producer Billy Sherrill had to work tirelessly to get Jones to finish the recording, but the end result was a masterpiece—one that even Jones himself initially disliked, dismissing it as “too sad.”

Despite his doubts, He Stopped Loving Her Today became a massive hit, revitalizing George Jones’ career and earning him a Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance. It also won the Country Music Association’s Song of the Year award in both 1980 and 1981—an unprecedented achievement. Today, the song remains a gold standard for country music, often cited as the genre’s most powerful example of heartbreak and devotion.

Even decades after its release, He Stopped Loving Her Today continues to move listeners, proving that some stories, no matter how painful, are meant to be told.

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Lyrics

He said, “I’ll love you till I die”
She told him, “You’ll forget in time”
As the years went slowly by
She still preyed upon his mind
He kept her picture on his wall
Went half crazy now and then
But he still loved her through it all
Hoping she’d come back again
Kept some letters by his bed
Dated 1962
He had underlined in red
Every single, I love you
I went to see him just today
Oh, but I didn’t see no tears
All dressed up to go away
First time I’d seen him smile in years
He stopped loving her today
They placed a wreath upon his door
And soon they’ll carry him away
He stopped loving her today
You know, she came to see him one last time (ooh)
Ah, and we all wondered if she would (ooh)
And it kept runnin’ through my mind (ooh)
“This time he’s over her for good”
He stopped loving her today
They placed a wreath upon his door
And soon they’ll carry him away
He stopped loving her today