**UPDATED

The country music industry is devastated today at the news that the legendary George Jones has passed away this morning at the age of 81. He was hospitalized April 18th at Nashville’s Vanderbilt Hospital with an irregular heartbeat and a fever.

Among the many artists scheduled to appear at George Jones’ final show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium this fall were Alan Jackson and Dierks Bentley. No word on what will happen, but we’ll keep you informed.

Man of our artists feel the loss, and we’ll keep updating with comments, quotes, soundbites and more throughout the weekend.

Keith Urban tweeted, “If I’m blessed enough to make it there, I look forward to you giving me the grand tour. Rest in peace George Jones!!!!!”

Alan Jackson said about his friend, George Jones:
“Well, heaven better get ready for some great country music. While George was known for his wild and crazy days, I’ve known him for 25 years as a friend. He had grown into a real good man. Of course, he’ll always be the greatest singer and interpreter of real country music – there’ll never be another. Like the song says, ‘You know this old world is full of singers, but just a few are chosen to tear your heart out when they sing. Imagine life without them…Who’s gonna fill their shoes.’”

Dierks Bentley, who is still a member of George Jones’ fan club, said he’s “heartbroken,” and tweeted, “nancy and @gjpossum had a beautiful marriage and special relationship. love you nancy. long live the possum. gonna miss my buddy. real sad.”

Vince Gill tweeted, “There aren’t words in our language to describe the depth of his greatness. I’ll miss my kind and generous friend.”

Little Big Town said, “There will never be another George Jones. You are and always will be country music. Rest in peace. #GeorgeJones“

“I am shocked and saddened by George Jones’ passing. He was a top-notch
country vocalist and taught me so much about what the voice can really
do if you let it. He was a good man, he was passionate about country
music, and made me want to be a better artist every time I listened to
one of his records. Heaven got a little countrier today. We’ll miss you
George!,” said Josh Turner.

Sugarland‘s Jennifer Nettles commented, “I’ll never forget the first time I heard the story in ‘He Stopped Loving Her Today. RIP George Jones. Country Legend. U will be missed.”

Kacey Musgraves tweeted, “That angel choir just got a whole lot better this morning. #RIP #GeorgeJones“

Eric Paslay said, “Thoughts and prayers to George Jones’ family. A true country legend. We’ll never stop loving you George!”

Easton Corbin tweeted, “What a sad day for country music. George Jones was one of my heroes.”

Lady Antebellum‘s Hillary Scott took to Twitter to express her sadness at the passing of George Jones. “@HillaryScottLA: Saddened by the passing of George Jones Sending prayers up for his wife and family Country Music will never be the same.”

Luke Bryan tweeted, “George. You will be deeply missed. Thanks for the beautiful memories.”

AJ (George Jones) OC: …respectful to me. :14
“I’ve met a lot of people, you know, artists, writers and music industry people, but that I never would’ve gotten close to or had the opportunity [to know]. George Jones, he’s always been real nice and respectful to me.”

Luke Bryan (on George Jones) OC: …be missed. 1:06