The fans of Country music icon George Jones will get to say their goodbyes in public with a ceremony at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville this Thursday.
The “He Stopped Loving Her” singer died on Friday at age 81. Jones was a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry, which will honor his legacy by hosting the funeral. According to The Los Angeles Times, he joined the music institution in 1956.
Before the public ceremony, publicist Kirt Webster said that there will be a private visitation for Jones’ family and friends.
“George would have wanted his fans and friends to be able to come and pay their respects along with his family,” Webster said in a statement, notes E! News.
“Thanks to George's friends, fans, and loved ones for the outpouring of love at this terrible time,” Jones’ widow, Nancy, added. His family has asked for donations to Grand Ole Opry Trust Fund or the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Jones died after being admitted to the hospital on April 18 with irregular blood pressure and fever. The immediate cause of death is still unknown.