OFFBEAT: Country music king George Jones dead at age 81

Country music icon George Jones died Friday at 81 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, according to his publicist Kirt Webster. He was hospitalized with fever and irregular blood pressure, forcing him to postpone two shows.

OFFBEAT: Singer Nelly first act for stage relaunch of Hammond Civic Center

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Tammy Wynette and George Jones

Tammy Wynette, left, sings with husband George Jones in an undated picture from the early 1970s. Jones, now 81, one of the late Wynette's five husbands, has announced a final farewell tour.

OFFBEAT: Country music king George Jones bringing final tour to Joliet

Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet announced Thursday they've booked country music George Jones for a spring date as part of his announced "Final Grand Tour."

Tammy Wynette and George Jones' Guitar-Shaped Swimming Pool

After marrying in 1969, Tammy Wynette and George Jones built a guitar-shaped swimming pool at their Lakeville, Fla., mansion before moving out in 1972 and divorcing in 1975.

OFFBEAT: 'The Doyle & Debbie Show' and country fun must leave Chicago May 27

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Feature Focus

Mark Spencer to receive award

George Jones

George Jones. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

OFFBEAT: 'The Doyle & Debbie Show' taking break from Chicago to perform for Conan O'Brien

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

OFFBEAT: 'The Doyle & Debbie Show' a fresh, funny, audience-pleasin' stage escape

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Michigan has Storied History in Making Jukeboxes

Like a vintage '45, Michigan has endured snaps, crackles and scratches. And Michigan is a glorious place for jukeboxes. It never goes out of style.

George Jones

Cal City cops among those honored by sheriff

CHICAGO | Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart and the Chicago-area law enforcement community gathered Tuesday to honor officers who exhibited courage and bravery over the past year.

Country king

COUNTRY KING - - George Jones, 78, performed one concert on July 10, 2010 at the Stardust Events Center at Blue Chip Hotel and Casino in Michigan City, Ind.