George Jones Funeral Today, Live Stream Begins at 11 AM (WATCH)
Mourning for George Jones has continued into Thursday as a public funeral service at the Grand Ole Opry House is scheduled to honor the singer.
The "greatest voice in country music" died last Friday at age 81, causing widespread grief in the music community.
Jones' funeral will include performances by country music superstars such as Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Kid Rock, and Wynonna Judd at Nashville's famous Grand Ole Opry House, where Jones himself was a member since 1956.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
Thousands are expected to gather at the memorial service for the late country music star, including former First Lady Laura Bush and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who are scheduled to offer eulogies during the funeral.
Additionally, more of Jones' fans can tune into the funeral as it will be covered live on cable television by CMT and GAC. CMT will also stream the funeral live online once it begins at 11 a.m. EST.
Friends of Jones and fellow country music stars Barbara Mandrell and Kenny Chesney are also due to speak during the public memorial, according to the Associated Press.
Jones, whose career spanned five decades, recorded dozens of hit songs including "He Stopped Loving Her Today" and " Tender Years."
"George would have wanted his fans and friends everywhere to be able to come and pay their respects along with his family," his publicist Kirt Webster said in a statement to Entertainment Tonight.
The Jones family has requested that contributions be made to the Grand Ole Opry trust fund in lieu of flowers.
Last week, Webster said that Jones died at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville after receiving treatment for a fever and irregular blood pressure, according to the Associated Press.
Meanwhile, Twitter was inundated with messages of mourning for Jones following the news of his death. Among the hundreds sharing their grief were fellow music superstars such as Carrie Underwood.
"Prayers going to George Jones' family today," wrote the singer. "Rest in [peace], George. You are loved and will be missed greatly."
