George Jones’ Kennedy Honor Airs

George Jones with Shelby Lynne, photo courtesy of Bandit Records.

Dec. 30, 2008 — Weeks after he sat next to the President during the Kennedy Center Honors, George Jones’ big night makes it to television as CBS presents the annual Kennedy Center celebration Tuesday night.

A bevy of stars pays homage to the Possum on the telecast, including Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Garth Brooks, Randy Travis and Shelby Lynne. The evening’s Honor roll also features Morgan Freeman, Barbra Streisand, The Who and choreographer Twyla Tharp.

The Kennedy stage is not, however, the only place where his fellow artists sang George’s praises in December. Among the other places where Jones got his due was The Washington Post:

• Vince Gill: "You can't define the ache that's in George's voice. It's just something inherently him. It doesn't need definition. It doesn't need clarification. It doesn't need a lot of things. You just sit back and appreciate it. It's just greatness."

• Dolly Parton: "Anyone who knows or cares anything about real country music will agree that George Jones is the voice of it. I believe every word and every emotion that comes out of his heart and his mouth. He has always been a favorite of mine."

• Eric Church: "To me, he's the best voice that's ever been in country music and probably ever will be. My favorite record is 'Yesterday's Wine,' a Haggard-Jones record. Best record of all-time. The great thing about that is, it's just two guys that were drinking and smoking and didn't think at all about what they were doing. They just let their talent rise to the top. It's brilliant."

• Keith Richards: "George Jones is a national treasure and should be treated accordingly."

The Kennedy Center Honors are slated for 9 p.m. ET tonight.