George Jones and Tammy Wynette, two big names in country music, were married for a short time, but Tammy wasn’t the woman who stayed with him until the end. After their split, both went on to marry other people, yet they kept making music together. So, how did Jones’ last wife feel about him still working with his ex-wife?
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When Did George Jones and Tammy Wynette Break Up?
George and Tammy got married in 1969. It was the third marriage for both of them. Tammy already had three daughters from her first marriage, and she had one more daughter with George.
Fans loved seeing them together, but their happiness didn’t last. They separated in 1973, and during that time, Tammy even dated Burt Reynolds. Despite rumors that they might get back together, their divorce was finalized in 1975. The split was mostly because of George’s drinking, including a famous incident where he rode a lawnmower to buy alcohol after Tammy took away his car keys.
Even after the divorce, George and Tammy continued to make music together, much to the delight of their fans.
George Jones’ New Life with Nancy Sepulvado
In 1983, George married Nancy Sepulvado. This marriage lasted until the end of his life. Nancy helped George overcome his struggle with alcohol, especially after a car accident in 1999 that convinced him to quit drinking for good.
While George was starting a new chapter with Nancy, Tammy also moved on. She married George Richey in 1978. Sadly, her later years were troubled by claims from her daughters that Richey was controlling and abusive. Tammy stayed with Richey until her death in 1998.
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George and Tammy’s Friendship After Their Divorce
Even though they were no longer married, George and Tammy found their way back to each other through their music. They worked together and even toured again. After Tammy’s death, George expressed how glad he was that they had become friends again. “I’m just very happy we got to work together and tour again,” he said, according to CMT. “It was important to us to close the chapter on everything we had been through. I know Tammy felt the same way.”
He also said that, in the end, they were very close friends and that he was deeply saddened by her passing.
Nancy, who had encouraged George to mend his relationship with Tammy, shared her own feelings. “It was important to me to help George repair his bond with Tammy,” she said. “And we did that. It also gave me the chance to get to know Tammy. Once I did, I truly loved her. She became my friend, too. I will miss her very much.”
Reflecting on Tammy’s death, Nancy added, “Nashville has lost another legend, and we don’t have many left.”
George Jones’ Life After Tammy Wynette
George Jones lived another 15 years after Tammy Wynette passed away, dying on April 26, 2013, at the age of 81. Nancy was with him when he died and later shared his last words. According to Taste of Country, George, who had been quiet in the days before his death, suddenly opened his eyes and said, “Well, hello there. My name is George Jones. I’ve been looking for you.”
These final words showed the peace George found at the end of his life after all the ups and downs he had faced.
