A legend of country music, Texas musician George Jones has passed away at the age of 81.

The singer, dubbed by Frank Sinatra as “the second greatest singer in America”, was hospitalised last week with fever and irregular blood pressure, before his death was confirmed today (26 April).

Jones’ career stretched from the mid-50s to earlier this year, when he retired to spend more time with his family.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.

[via Rolling Stone]