![29 Years Ago: George Jones Undergoes Triple Bypass Surgery, on His 63rd Birthday](https://townsquare.media/site/623/files/2010/02/George-Jones.jpg?w=980&q=75)
29 Years Ago: George Jones Undergoes Triple Bypass Surgery, on His 63rd Birthday
Twenty-nine years ago today, on Sept. 12, 1994, George Jones had a birthday to remember, even if it wasn't the way he had hoped: It was on that date that the singer had triple bypass surgery at Nashville's Baptist Hospital, where he remained hospitalized for one week.
Jones was rushed to the hospital the night before, and the doctors discovered blockages in three of his arteries. But while the Possum may not have voluntarily chosen a hospital stay as the way to celebrate his big day, the country music community rallied around him during his recovery.
"Waylon Jennings also came in," Jones recalled to Country Weekly. "And Garth Brooks and Reba McEntire sent enough flowers to start a nursery. When the chips are down, there's no denying that country stars are there for each other."
Opry legend Connie Smith also visited, spending Jones' birthday with his wife, Nancy, in the waiting room.
As it turns out, the health scare might have been Jones' best birthday gift of all: After his surgery, the Country Music Hall of Fame member devoted his life to making healthier choices.
"I'm walking, talking ... and generally living life at a slower pace," he said.
Still, Jones went right back to work after his operation. His album The Bradley Barn Sessions, featuring collaborations with Alan Jackson, Vince Gill, Tammy Wynette, Trisha Yearwood, Dolly Parton and others, was released one month later, on Oct. 11.
Jones died on April 26, 2013, from complications from a respiratory illness. He was 81 years old.
This story was originally written by Gayle Thompson, and revised by Annie Zaleski.
More From 95.7 KEZJ
![Don’t Miss When Comic Con Comes to the Magic Valley This Summer](http://townsquare.media/site/94/files/2024/07/attachment-Add-a-heading-2024-07-24T181143.377.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![The One Road Trip You Must Take in Idaho](http://townsquare.media/site/94/files/2024/07/attachment-Add-a-heading-2024-07-14T190927.245.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Twin Falls Police Department Unveils New Crime Mapping Software](http://townsquare.media/site/94/files/2024/07/attachment-crime-Canva-crimemappingdotcom.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![8 Fun Events the Final Weekend of July in the Magic Valley](http://townsquare.media/site/94/files/2024/07/attachment-Add-a-heading-2024-07-24T092602.187.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Where Did Your Favorite California Fast Food Chains Come From?](http://townsquare.media/site/94/files/2024/07/attachment-Add-a-heading-2024-07-22T133405.814.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![CLOSED: More Road Closures in Twin Falls on Thursday](http://townsquare.media/site/94/files/2024/07/attachment-Road-Closed-Google-Maps-Canva.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![FUNDING: Idaho to Spend $7 Billion on Transportation](http://townsquare.media/site/94/files/2024/07/attachment-Transportation-Canva.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![8 Things You Didn’t Know Expired in California](http://townsquare.media/site/94/files/2024/07/attachment-Add-a-heading-2024-07-22T070414.426.jpg?w=980&q=75)