Updated

The country music world reacted with deep emotion upon learning of the death of legendary singer George Jones. Here's a sampling of quotes and tweets about Jones:

"The world has lost the greatest country singer of all time. Amen." — Merle Haggard

"Well, heaven better get ready for some great country music. While George was known for his wild and crazy days, I've known him for 25 years as a friend. He had grown into a real good man. Of course, he will always be the greatest singer and interpreter of real country music - there'll never be another. — Alan Jackson

"The greatest voice to ever grace country music will never die. Jones has a place in every heart that ever loved any kind of music." — Garth Brooks

"The greatest country blues singer to ever live." — Ronnie Dunn

More On This...

"It's a sad day for country music and a great loss for those of us who knew him. I was blessed to call George my friend. He was one of the best country singers there ever was. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Nancy, and all of his family. It's a sad, sad day." — Loretta Lynn

"My heart is absolutely broken. George Jones was my all time favorite singer and one of my favorite people in the world. My heart goes out to Nancy and all his family and friends." — Dolly Parton

"George Jones and I happen to share the same birthday. The first and only time I met him (which I believe was at the Opry if my memory serves me), I told him that. His response, 'You must be trouble.' Takes one to know one, I am so proud to say. George, his music and his mischievous trouble, will all be missed. He is a country legend." — Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland

"I believe if you ask any singer who was the greatest country music singer of all time, they would say 'George Jones'. He was without question and by far the BEST! I first met and worked with him when I was 13 years old; I am so very grateful that he was my friend." — Barbara Mandrell

"If I'm blessed enough to make it there, I look forward to you giving me the grand tour. Rest in peace George Jones!!!!!" — Keith Urban via Twitter

"My friend, the greatest singer of all time, has passed. To those who knew him, our lives were full. To those of you who don't: discover him now." — Brad Paisley via Twitter

"He had a voice that was the truth, raw and unfiltered. You can't get any realer, any more tortured or any more alive. No one can do what George Jones does, and that's why 50 years later, he still stands out as one of the greatest singers in any genre of all time." — Kenny Chesney

"George Jones was my friend and I loved him." — Trace Adkins

"Such a sad day ... May you Rest in Peace George Jones." — Sheryl Crow via Twitter

"Really REALLY bad news. We've lost a country music legend. And I've lost a hero and a friend. Goodbye George Jones ..." — Blake Shelton via Twitter

"I feel such a personal loss of not only one of the greatest vocal influences of my life, but also I've lost a dear friend. Visits with George have always been full of joy and laughter. Every time I would see him, George would always greet me with a funny story or a joke! His legacy will put his name at the top of the most influential artists in history, right along with Hank Williams, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings. His voice will be influencing singers 100 years from now and beyond!" — Travis Tritt