The late Tammy Wynette was assuredly one of country music's greatest stars. She left us at the far-too-young age of 55 from a blood clot on April 6, 1998. However, the remarkable body of work Wynette gifted us is eternally vital. Songs like "Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad" and "D-I-V-O-R-C-E" made her iconic. But the track that is truly her signature tune is "Stand By Your Man." That 1968 co-write from Wynette and Billy Sherrill is a genuine keeper.
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She was married five times, most famously to fellow country crooner George Jones. Although their union was turbulent, there was a lot of love there as well.
On Monday, March 30, a host of leading country artists strode onto the stage at illustrious Ryman Auditorium in Nashville to recall Wynette's incredible life and career. Among them were Gretchen Wilson, Carter Faith, Ann Wilson of Heart, and Wynonna. For more than two hours, they treated the crowd to song after song that Tammy Wynette made everlastingly famous.
Wynette's Daughter Movingly Addressed the Audience
It was an emotional evening, per People. One of the high points must have been when Georgette Jones, the daughter of Wynette and George Jones, appeared on stage. She told everyone, "I know that mom would want us to thank all of you, her fans, because you have supported her through decades of her passion for music. She loved you all so much, and you were there for her." Then Georgette sang "He Loves Me All the Way."
One Star After Another Covered Wynette's Classic Songs
Terri Clark did a rousing version of "Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad." She said, per the outlet, "I chose this song because it was sassy and it was strong ... if I was ever lucky enough to grace the same stage as this iconic woman."
Wynonna shared some heartfelt thoughts about Tammy Wynette. "I met Tammy Wynettte in 1984. She handed us our first award, the Horizon Award at the CMAs, and we quickly became family. She used to cook for me on her bus. So, Ms. Tammy Wynette, you're my queen." In addition, Wynonna launched into "Woman to Woman."
Carter Faith stirred the soul with "Another Lonely Song." Kaitlin Butts took the mic for "Another Chance." Gretchen Wilson offered "Til I Get It Right."
Ann Wilson ended the night with "Stand By Your Man."
Many other singers performed such as Debby Boone and Lorrie Morgan, to name a few.
