Update!

Country Star George Jones Hospitalized

80-year-old singer is suffering from an upper respiratory infection, rep says

By Natalie Finn Mar 30, 2012 12:30 AMTags
George JonesAlan L. Mayor/WireImage

Things haven't exactly gone to pieces, but George Jones needs a moment to regroup anyway.

The County Music Hall of Famer was hospitalized in Nashville today with an upper respiratory infection and doctors—who determined that he doesn't have pneumonia—want to keep him at least overnight for observation, according to a statement on Jones' website.

But don't start calling him "No Show Jones" just yet.

The "He Stopped Loving Her Today" singer isn't scheduled to hit the road again until April 20, when he's due in Minnesota, so here's hoping the 80-year-old icon is feeling healthy by then.

Jones is perhaps just as well known in the country world for his often substance-fueled exploits as he is for his music. The hitmaker, who was famously married to Tammy Wynette from 1969 to 1975, was in a near-fatal DUI crash in 1999 that left him with a punctured lung and lacerated liver.

He's been battling back ever since, performing at awards shows and maintaining a busy touring schedule. Jones is also nominated for Vocal Event of the Year heading into the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards for collaborating with Aaron Lewis and Charlie Daniels on "Country Boy."

Asked just last week by Pantagraph.com how he feels about being referred to as a living legend, Jones replied, "Well, it is nice to know people think you're a legend—especially a living legend."

"I think if you ask anyone my age why they keep working, they'll say, ‘If I retire, what am I going to retire to?'" he said. "What would I do with my time?"

UPDATE: Jones was released from the hospital the following week.

"George Jones wants to thank all his friends and fans for their prayers and well wishes over the past few days," read a statement on his website. "Mr. Jones will be resting at home until he plans to return to the stage on April 20th in Minnesota."