Playin' Possum: My Memories of George Jones

by Nancy Jones, Ken Abraham (Primary Contributor)

In Playin' Possum , readers get an intimate look at country music legend George Jones through the eyes of his wife of thirty years.

Ask anyone who knows country music, “Who was the GOAT—the greatest of all time?” and the answers will inevitably lead to George Jones.

Millions of people know the name of the iconic country music artist, George Jones, but few people know that behind the man and his golden voice was a strong, feisty woman who not only saved his life from cocaine addiction, alcoholism, and other abusive and self-destructive behaviors, but also was instrumental in saving his soul.

Legends, half-truths, and downright lies abound about the iconic singer, but what secrets do people not know about him? What was it like to live with him through the darkest shadows and in the brightest of lights?

Married for more than thirty years to the greatest country music singer who ever lived, the man Frank Sinatra had whimsically referred to as “the second-greatest singer in America,” Nancy Jones knew George Jones better than anyone else on earth—the good George and the bad George, the horrendous, and the hilarious. George and Nancy married March 4, 1983, and with her help and encouragement, he quit his wild and wicked ways—for a while. Nancy soon learned, however, that the demons held a strong grip on the man she loved, and they were not about to release him without a fight. But Nancy Jones is a tenacious fighter, and most people who knew “the Possum,” credit Nancy with saving his life and rebuilding his career.

For the first time, in Playin' Possum , Nancy Jones reveals the true “insider” perspectives and little known poignant and as well as humorous stories about the country music icon—his battles with cocaine, alcohol, abusive behavior toward her and others, his battles with himself, and most of all, his battles against the demons that sought to control him and ultimately destroy him.

Nancy knew there was a good man inside George Jones, and she felt strongly that God had given her the assignment to help him, even if he hurt her. She refused to give up on Jones. Although Tammy Wynette sang “Stand By Your Man,” it was actually Nancy Jones who stood by George for more than thirty years, and helped bring him to the Light. Together, they brought joy and light to millions of people.

304 pages, Hardcover

Published September 12, 2023

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the book blurbs says, "readers get an intimate look at George Jones." After reading the book I really wondered if I did need to see behind the curtain into the demons that almost brought him down. This is a book out of my normal interest but my dad loved him and for almost all of my life I have lived within an hour and a half away from Nashville. So, George Jones music was always in the car and in the home. Even though it was well publicized about Jones' misbehavior, it was still somewhat disheartening to read some of the stories. Thank goodness this turned into an uplifting and encouraging tribute. This book also goes into Mrs. Jones' life and her testimony of becoming a Christian.

[Stephanie Gray · Rating 1 out of 5]

As a fan of George jones I was eager to read this knowing that Nancy is the one who helped turned George’s life around. But good golly, a majority of the book is about Nancy and her current life. Nancy and her beliefs that COVID was a conspiracy. Nancy bashing Georgette and George’s other kids as “entitled”

Reading about how she was driving and George was doing drugs in the same car as her teen daughter really threw me off. I know it was a different time, but how do you pride yourself on being such stern woman but you coddle this man and expose your daughter to this?

I questioned a lot of her authenticity and while I know this is from her perspective, this was a giant pat on the back for Nancy while stepping on everyone else.

I would not recommend this book.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nancy Jones provides the reader with an intimate look inside the life country music legend George Jones. She does not hold back in detailing his addiction to drugs and alcohol or the hardship of being married to a man with such self-destructive and abusive behavior. However, she also shares the almost miraculous turnaround in his behavior and his decision to follow Christ.

I read the book as an outsider and not an obsessed fan, so I had no knowledge of George Jones beyond recognizing his name as a well-known musician. Nancy went well beyond what most would do when discovering George’s problems and her decision to stay with him most certainly was a huge positive influence in his career…and one that likely extended his life.

The book is a well written and in-depth study of Nancy’s memories of her famous husband. And while she certainly helped guide him on the right path, I felt this book is as much her story as it was his. Obsessed fans will likely love this book, but other readers will simply find it an interesting story without being drawn into the musician’s world.

I received my copy of Playin’ Possum through the Early Reviewers at LibraryThing with no promise of a positive review. Any opinions given here are strictly my own.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was part biography of George Jones, part autobiography of his widow, Nancy Jones, and part religious testimonial. Nancy Jones was George Jones' fourth and final wife. She is widely credited with saving George's life by eventually being the catalyst for George quitting cocaine and then alcohol. They were married for over 30 years and George did not get straight until 16 years into the marriage. She doesn't sugar coat the bad years and reading about the abuse may be triggering for some readers. She credits God with helping her get through the tough times and with getting through to George. She also claims a near death experience while suffering from COVID with giving her the inspiration to tell the story. The last part of the book is her testimonial to Jesus. I think most old school country music fans will find this an interesting, if not enjoyable read.


Full disclosure: I won a free copy of this book in a LibraryThing giveaway.

[Laura Cozicar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very intimate look behind the curtain in the legend of George Jones. I have heard many similar stories about him from other sources and it was interesting to flesh them out. I find it fascinating how Nancy tells of her beliefs throughout the book and doesn’t seem to care what others think of her ideas. She and George were together for a long time and she did her best to keep him alive. No one knows if she should have done something differently, George was a stubborn, complex man. Do I have to believe everything she writes to enjoy her saga? No! She has lived an incredible life and I am glad she shared it with us. Thank you.

[Dane Nealson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to give it more than three stars. A lot of the stories in this book were also told in George’s own autobiography, but the reader gets a look at George’s life from the mid-90s on and has some impactful moments emotionally. Were the repeated swipes at George’s kids necessary? Guess that’s up to the reader’s opinion. But her repeated misinformation regarding Covid being a conspiracy and Ivermectin being a cure was enough to drop this from a 5 to a 3. The book is still very much worth the read, just maybe don’t trust Nancy Jones for medical advice.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Praise God for George and Nancy Jones

I like the honesty Nancy shared this book. She always said she would tell the truth about George. I believe she has told the story of her and George's life both the good and the bad. I thank God for Nancy and George also. Take care of yourself Nancy. God bless you.

[Pamela A. McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome book! My husband and I met George and Nancy when he performed in Panama City back in 2006. We have a framed photo of the four of us in our home along with the guitar George gave my husband. I admire Nancy so much! She is a brave, strong woman. I’m sure I would not have stayed with George for month. She truly saved his life.

[Katrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Living with anyone that has a addiction the whole family is effected. This is Nancy's perception of her life with George Jones. Not sure why she would want her child dragged through this merry-go-round but she did. She also recounted her dealings with covid. She was not very kind to George's children who were a part of this addiction drama. It was interesting.

[Debbie webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just WOW

I knew George was a drinker, but didn’t realize how bad a problem he had! Nancy is a saint for staying with him for all those years. Not many would have with the abuse! Very good read even though at times I was nauseous….

[Suzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading about George Jones. Nancy loved him an stayed by his side thru alcohol drugs abuse walk outs. What a good human an God Loving Angel. I loved their story and how George changed, because of Nancy.

[Michelle Dicandia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I met Nancy Jones last year and her story...her life is nothing short of miraculous.

[Cookie Woodside · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy quick read. I have some wonder about authenticity.

[crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

To much

I thought I was reading book out George and Nancy,not how sick Nancy got.some is bout George Jones but most is bout Nancy

[Debbie Lyon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Easy read but for some reason some of the author's views don't sit well with my beliefs. So made me question how truthful the story was.

[David Tapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book and gives a very authentic vibe. The last few chapters after the death of George were more spiritual than I liked but overall the book was really good.

[Nancy Clark]

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[Derek Bullard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rated it four stars for the stories/insight into George Jones. Be warned that it takes a weird 'COVID Truther' turn at the end. No, I'm not kidding.

[Melissa Coffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Beautifully written. Loved hearing this story and how she kept the faith and kept hanging on and now she is spreading Gods word with us all.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

It pains me to give this book two stars, but I found Nancy to be an unreliable narrator. Of course, she knew and loved her husband; I don’t question this. But I suspect some of her perspectives might be her truth rather than the truth. I am also put off by her close friend, who features almost as prominently in the book as George, being caught up in fraud.

[Simmons Wilbanks · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn’t mind the book as a fan of George’s music, hearing him sing growing up I have to say by the end I was disappointed in the person he was. I appreciate her trying to validate him and I am thankful he turned to Christ. That is more important than anything.
I feel most who read this book will agree that at the end of the day before salvation there wasn’t much love or good that came from him. Without her bailing him out and forcing him to do almost everything George seemed like an extremely self centered person who would only “change” to quiet what annoyed him.

[Linda Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed