George Jones' Daughter Thanks Dad Who Melted Her Pain in 'Loving Arms' after Drama

Publish date: 2024-05-22

George Jones, the celebrated country musician, always had a hard time showing emotions. Although his music was raw and relatable, that freedom of expression didn't translate into his real life. Instead, he was like most of his generation — a hard man.

Unable to clearly express his feelings, the country star never had a close relationship with his daughter, Georgette Jones Lennon. He was distant, even with his wife, Tammy Wynette. It took a tragedy to bring him closer to his daughter.

George Jones performs at Fanfair in 1999 in Nashville, Tennessee | Source: Getty Images

George grew up in Texas, and his daughter explained that his inability to express his emotions stemmed from his upbringing. Many people taught their sons that men don't cry and that crying was a sign of weakness.

George was closed off, and on top of that, he had a drinking problem that he struggled to handle.

In honor of the man Georgette came to admire over the years, she wrote "The Three of Us: Growing Up with Tammy and George." The book was also eventually adapted into a script for the movie "George and Tammy."

George Jones and Tammy Wynette: Their Crazy Love

George and Tammy were both country musicians of note. Throughout their time together, their relationship served as the impetus behind many of their songs. And their love-based repertoire was filled with love ballads and breakup tracks.

When Georgette's mom died in 1998, things started to change.

Tammy Wynette and George Jones performs at Fanfair on January 1, 1995 in Nashville, Tennessee | Source: Getty Images

The two married in 1969 and started working together on their albums. They started recording as a pair and released a few hits together. However, this initial bliss didn't last very long, and they began butting heads.

George was closed off, and on top of that, he had a drinking problem that he struggled to handle. Eventually, the tension between the two became too much. The pair decided to separate in 1975, and the wild romance seemed to be done.

Tammy Wynette and George Jones perform live on stage at the Country Music Festival, Wembley Arena, London in April 1981 | Source: Getty Images

During their time together, Tammy and George had their daughter, Georgette. She grew up not truly knowing her dad, and she said she was angry at him until she caught a glimpse of what he was really dealing with.

Georgette Jones Lennon Gives Parents in Touching Tribute

When Georgette's mom died in 1998, things started to change. Tammy had bad health for a long time, and George never showed his face. But when she finally passed on, he suddenly realized what had to be done.

He took his daughters to pick out a casket, and he made the arrangements for the funeral. Georgette said he had never liked funerals or being around death, but she also knew he was doing it to support his daughter.

After her father also passed away, Georgette was on her, and there was a lot she hadn't said to her parents. So, in honor of them, she wrote a letter explaining how much she loved them and thanked them for their time together. In it, she wrote:

"All I ever wanted was my Dad and I finally had you in my life."

Georgette Jones arrives for the premiere event of Showtime's limited series "George & Tammy", at the Goya Studios in Los Angeles, California, on November 21, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

The heartfelt tribute spoke about lessons her mom taught her and the things she and George eventually shared. In an emotional line, she wrote, "When Mom died, you were there for me when I needed you most. My anger and pain melted into your loving arms."

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