The details for George Jones' funeral service have been announced. The iconic country singer will be laid to rest on Thursday, May 2 in Nashville. In an honor fit for such a legendary talent, Jones' funeral will take place at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tenn. To accommodate the enormous outpouring of fan support, the service will be open to the public.

Jones passed away on Friday (April 26) at the age of 81 after battling health problems for much of 2012 and the early part of this year. His fellow country stars have overwhelmed the singer's family with tributes to his enduring influence and legacy, matched only by the fervor of the fans he earned over a career of more than five decades.

That's why the decision was made to open his service to the public. Jones' publicist, Kirt Webster, says it's only appropriate. "George would have wanted his fans and friends everywhere to be able to come and pay their respects along with his family," he says in a press release Sunday (April 28).

The singer's wife of 30 years, Nancy Jones, agrees. "Thanks to George’s friends, fans, and loved ones for the outpouring of love at this terrible time," she adds. "I love you all."

It's an enormously fitting send-off for Jones, who was a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1956 and earned his way  into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992.

In lieu of flowers, Jones' family has asked that contributions be made to the Grand Ole Opry Trust Fund, or the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

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