Around the time that Jackson landed his first record deal in 1989, Jones was sitting pretty with well over 50 albums and numerous hit singles. But that didn’t stop the two from finding the kind of common ground that resulted in Jackson singing a heartfelt rendition of Jones’ song “He Stopped Loving Her Today” at the country music legend’s funeral in 2013 before a massive crowd at the Grand Ole Opry.
Despite coming from different eras, Jones and Jackson forged a friendship that lasted beyond the former’s death. Jackson grew up listening to Jones’ music, looking up to him as many young country fans did. The two would go on to record songs together and communicate often, per Outsider.