Country Music's 'First Couple' Married 57 Years Ago Today

George Jones and Tammy Wynette tied the knot in Georgia in 1969 before releasing several hit duets.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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On February 16, 1969, country music superstars George Jones and Tammy Wynette got married in Ringgold, Georgia. The couple, known as the 'First Couple' of country music, went on to record several hit duets together over the next few years, including 'Take Me,' 'The Ceremony,' 'We're Gonna Hold On,' 'Golden Ring,' and 'Near You.' However, their marriage was famously tumultuous and they divorced in 1975, though they remained friends after the split.

Why it matters

Jones and Wynette were two of the biggest stars in country music during their time, and their marriage and musical partnership helped define the genre in the 1970s. Their story highlights the complexities of fame, relationships, and the challenges of balancing personal and professional lives in the spotlight.

The details

Jones and Wynette met while touring together in the early 1960s, and their friendship soon blossomed into a romance. However, Wynette was already married to songwriter Don Chapel at the time. After a confrontation at the Chapel household, Wynette left her husband and children to be with Jones. The couple went to Mexico to get Wynette a quick divorce, though it turned out her previous marriage was not legally valid. They released their first duet, 'Take Me,' in 1971, two years after their wedding.

  • George Jones and Tammy Wynette got married on February 16, 1969 in Ringgold, Georgia.
  • They released their first duet, 'Take Me,' in 1971.
  • The couple's other hit duets included 'The Ceremony' (1972), 'We're Gonna Hold On' (1973), 'Golden Ring' (1976), and 'Near You' (1976).
  • Jones and Wynette officially divorced in March 1975.

The players

George Jones

A legendary country music singer known for hits like 'White Lightning' and considered one of the greatest country vocalists of all time.

Tammy Wynette

A renowned country music singer, known as the 'First Lady of Country Music,' who had numerous solo hits and duets with Jones.

Don Chapel

Wynette's first husband, a songwriter, with whom she had a tumultuous relationship before leaving him for Jones.

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What they’re saying

“We got along better after the divorce than we ever did when we were married.”

— George Jones (Biography)

The takeaway

The marriage and musical partnership of George Jones and Tammy Wynette, known as the 'First Couple' of country music, exemplified the complexities of fame, relationships, and balancing personal and professional lives in the spotlight. Their story highlights the enduring appeal and legacy of classic country music.