Television Recommendations:

JANUARY 2023:

Genre: Drama, Biopic, Musical drama, Created by Abe Sylvia, Based on "The Three of Us: Growing Up with Tammy and George" by Georgette Jones, Directed by John Hillcoat, Starring: Jessica Chastain, Michael Shannon, Steve Zahn, David Wilson Barnes, Walton Goggins, Opening theme "The World's Most Broken Heart" by Tammy Wynette, Country of origin: United States, Original language: English, No. of episodes: 6, Executive producers: Jessica Chastain, Kelly Carmichael, Abe Sylvia, Andrew Lazar, Josh Brolin, David C. Glasser, David Hutkin, Bob Yari, Bryan Goluboff, Ron Burkle, John Hillcoat, with Cinematography by Igor Martinovic, Editor: Katharine McQuerrey, Production companies: Freckle Films, 101 Studios, MTV Entertainment Studios, Mad Chance Productions, Blank Films Inc, Aunt Sylvia's Moving Picture Company, Brolin Productions, Original network: Showtime. (2022 - 2023)
George & Tammy (2022 – 2023)

THREE’S A CROWDED AUDIENCE…

I highly recommend reading The Three of Us: Growing Up with Tammy and George written by Georgette Jones, the daughter of country music legends Tammy Wynette and George Jones. Published in 2011, this memoir provides an intimate and unique perspective on the lives of her famous parents.

Georgette Jones—the only child of country music’s “First Couple,” George Jones and Tammy Wynette—pens a memoir about life with her parents and the journey back to a relationship with her estranged father. The marriage of George Jones and Tammy Wynette was hailed as a union made in honky-tonk heaven. And when little Tamala Georgette Jones was born in 1970, she was considered country music’s heir apparent. For the first four years of her life, Georgette had two adoring parents who showed her off at every opportunity, and between her parents, grandparents, older sisters, and cheering fans, Georgette’s feet seldom hit the ground. But as in every fairy tale, dark forces were just around the corner. Her parents fought, and George drank. George and Tammy divorced when Georgette was four, and it would be years before she understood just what that meant. The Three of Us is an honest and heartfelt look into the life of a broken family living in the glare of the public spotlight. Like so many of her generation, Georgette had to make sense of loving two parents who couldn’t love each other. With never-before-told stories about George and Tammy, it recounts Tammy’s descent into prescription pill addiction, her dependence on her fifth husband, George Richey, and her untimely death at the age of fifty-five. Georgette opens up about her broken relationship with her father and what it took for them to come back together. Lastly, Georgette discusses the ups and downs of her adult life: failed marriages, illness, an arrest, and now, an unexpected but thrilling career as a musician. A story of both extreme privilege and great trials, of larger-than-life people with larger-than-life problems, The Three of Us is rich in country music history. It is filled with twists and turns, highs and lows, but in the end, it stands as an intensely moving tale of love, loss, heartbreak, and what it means to be a family. Photo Credit: Amazon.com
Georgette Jones—the only child of country music’s “First Couple,” George Jones and Tammy Wynette—pens a memoir about life with her parents and the journey back to a relationship with her estranged father. The marriage of George Jones and Tammy Wynette was hailed as a union made in honky-tonk heaven. And when little Tamala Georgette Jones was born in 1970, she was considered country music’s heir apparent. For the first four years of her life, Georgette had two adoring parents who showed her off at every opportunity, and between her parents, grandparents, older sisters, and cheering fans, Georgette’s feet seldom hit the ground. But as in every fairy tale, dark forces were just around the corner. Her parents fought, and George drank. George and Tammy divorced when Georgette was four, and it would be years before she understood just what that meant. The Three of Us is an honest and heartfelt look into the life of a broken family living in the glare of the public spotlight. Like so many of her generation, Georgette had to make sense of loving two parents who couldn’t love each other. With never-before-told stories about George and Tammy, it recounts Tammy’s descent into prescription pill addiction, her dependence on her fifth husband, George Richey, and her untimely death at the age of fifty-five. Georgette opens up about her broken relationship with her father and what it took for them to come back together. Lastly, Georgette discusses the ups and downs of her adult life: failed marriages, illness, an arrest, and now, an unexpected but thrilling career as a musician. A story of both extreme privilege and great trials, of larger-than-life people with larger-than-life problems, The Three of Us is rich in country music history. It is filled with twists and turns, highs and lows, but in the end, it stands as an intensely moving tale of love, loss, heartbreak, and what it means to be a family. Photo Credit: Amazon.com
Georgette Jones attends Showtime's "George & Tammy" premiere event at Goya Studios on November 21, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Photo Credit: Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images
Tammy Wynette in performance; circa 1960; New York. Photo Credit: Art Zelin/Getty Images
American country music star George Jones (1931-2013) performs at Tramps, New York, New York, Thursday, November 12, 1992. Photo Credit: Jack Vartoogian/Getty Images
Country Artists Tammy Wynette (1942-1998) and George Jones perform live on stage at the Country Music Festival, Wembley Arena, London in April 1981. Photo Credit: David Redfern/Redferns

Georgette Jones offers a heartfelt and candid account of what it was like to grow up in the shadow of two iconic musicians. Through her eyes, readers gain insight into the joys and challenges of having celebrity parents, witnessing firsthand the highs and lows of their personal and professional lives.

Georgette Jones at the premiere of Showtime's "George & Tammy" held at Goya Studios on November 21, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Photo Credit: Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images
Tammy Wynette, George Jones and Georgette Jones circa 1970s. Photo Credit: Google Images
George Jones, Tammy Wynette & Tamala Georgette Jones; 1975. Photo Credit: Google Images
George Jones, Tammy Wynette & Tamala Georgette Jones; 1975. Photo Credit: Google Images
George and Tammy and Georgette backstage at the 1976 CMA Awards. Photo Credit: Google Images

The memoir delves into the complexities of her parent’s relationship, capturing the deep love and passion they shared for each other and the struggles that ultimately led to their divorce. Georgette‘s narrative is filled with touching anecdotes, tender moments, and her parents’ music’s lasting impact on her life.

George Jones And Tammy Wynette circa mid-1960s. Photo Credit: GAB Archive/Redferns
Tammy Wynette and George Jones perform at Countryside Opry, Chicago, Illinois, October 5, 1980. Photo Credit: Kirk West/Getty Images
Country music singer-songwriter Tammy Wynette (1942-1998) and American musician, singer and songwriter George Jones (1931-2013) perform together during a concert event in 1994 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo Credit: Ron Davis/Getty Images
George Jones, Tammy Wynette & Tamala Georgette Jones; 1975. Photo Credit: Google Images
Tammy Wynette, an ex-beautician, gives George Jones a final comb circa 1970s. Photo Credit: Google Images
George Jones, Tammy Wynette & Tamala Georgette Jones; 1975. Photo Credit: Google Images
George Jones & Tammy Wynette circa 1970s. Photo Credit: Google Images

As a unique blend of personal memories and historical accounts, The Three of Us allows readers to connect with Tammy and George more personally, beyond their public personas. Georgette‘s writing style is engaging and sincere, making the book a captivating read for both country music enthusiasts and those interested in personal stories of resilience and love.

Wynette first met George Jones while on tour with him in the late sixties. Jones was also friendly with her second husband, Don Chapel, and the three often spent time together. According to Wynette, Jones helped her one evening when one of her children was hospitalized with food poisoning. The following day, Jones stopped by Chapel and Wynette's home. Chapel was irritated with Wynette because she would not stop playing Jones's music on their record player. Chapel then began directing derogatory words and profanity at her. Angered by Chapel's conduct, Jones overturned the couple's dining room table. Jones and Wynette then proceeded to confess their love for each other to Chapel. Immediately after the incident, Jones escorted Wynette and her three daughters out of the Chapel home. They never returned. After leaving Chapel, they flew to Mexico to get a quick divorce. However, her marriage to Chapel was later annulled because she remarried quickly after her first marriage to Euple Byrd. Jones and Wynette officially wed on February 16, 1969, in Ringgold, Georgia. The couple then proceeded to move into a 6,000-square-foot (560 m2) plantation home in Lakeland, Florida. They later built a performance venue on the property, which they titled "Old Plantation Music Park". Jones and Wynette's marriage was tumultuous. A major factor that affected their relationship was Jones's alcoholism. When he drank, he became difficult to control. This led to Wynette becoming angry with Jones's behavior. For a short period, Jones stopped drinking but then relapsed. In an effort for Jones to retain sobriety, they moved from Lakeland back to Nashville in 1972. However, Jones relapsed again, which caused further friction in their marriage. Wynette also attempted to stop his drinking herself. To stop Jones from driving under the influence, Wynette began hiding his car keys. On one day, Jones could not find where Wynette had hid his keys. As a result, he took the keys to their riding lawnmower and successfully rode it into town and back to purchase alcohol. In a separate incident, Wynette claimed in her autobiography that Jones had chased her through their home with a loaded rifle. Jones later denied this in his own autobiography. Wynette filed for divorce in 1973, but the couple ultimately reconciled. By this point, they had moved to a larger home, also located in Nashville. However, their problems continued. Jones would often disappear for days at a time. In one attempt to locate him, Wynette drove her children and two friends down to Florida but were unsuccessful in their search. After a recording session between the couple in late 1974, Jones disappeared again. Disappointed and upset, Wynette filed for divorce for a second time. It was finalized on January 8, 1975. After the divorce became public, Wynette told the press, "George is one of those people that can't tolerate happiness. If everything is right, there's something in him that makes him destroy it." Wynette and Jones's relationship was portrayed in the 2022 miniseries "George & Tammy", starring Jessica Chastain and Michael Shannon. The miniseries was created by Abe Sylvia based upon the memoir of the couple's daughter, Georgette, and directed by John Hillcoat. It was released on Showtime, CMT and the Paramount Network. Photo Credit: Google Images
Georgette Jones daughter of Tammy Wynette and George Jones photographed April 2016. Photo Credit: Yahoo Images

Moreover, the memoir’s powerful storytelling and emotional depth made it a perfect source of inspiration for the Showtime limited series, George & Tammy in 2022. The adaptation brings the compelling tale of their marriage, love, divorce, and careers to a wider audience, with Jessica Chastain and Michael Shannon portraying the iconic couple that includes their daughter’s journey through life.

Showtime Logo
Genre: Drama, Biopic, Musical drama, Created by Abe Sylvia, Based on "The Three of Us: Growing Up with Tammy and George" by Georgette Jones, Directed by John Hillcoat, Starring: Jessica Chastain, Michael Shannon, Steve Zahn, David Wilson Barnes, Walton Goggins, Opening theme "The World's Most Broken Heart" by Tammy Wynette, Country of origin: United States, Original language: English, No. of episodes: 6, Executive producers: Jessica Chastain, Kelly Carmichael, Abe Sylvia, Andrew Lazar, Josh Brolin, David C. Glasser, David Hutkin, Bob Yari, Bryan Goluboff, Ron Burkle, John Hillcoat, with Cinematography by Igor Martinovic, Editor: Katharine McQuerrey, Production companies: Freckle Films, 101 Studios, MTV Entertainment Studios, Mad Chance Productions, Blank Films Inc, Aunt Sylvia's Moving Picture Company, Brolin Productions, Original network: Showtime. (2022 - 2023)
(L-R): Jessica Chastain as Tammy Wynette and Michael Shannon as George Jones in a scene from the Limited Series, "George & Tammy". Photo Credit: Dana Hawley/Courtesy of SHOWTIME.
(L-R) Tammy Wynette, & George Jones circa 1976. Photo Credit: Stephanie Chernikowski/Redferns
Jessica Chastain as Tammy Wynette in a scene from the Limited Series, "George & Tammy". Photo Credit: Dana Hawley/Courtesy of SHOWTIME.
Michael Shannon as George Jones in a scene from the Limited Series, "George & Tammy". Photo Credit: Dana Hawley/Courtesy of SHOWTIME.
(L-R): Michael Shannon as George Jones and Jessica Chastain as Tammy Wynette in a scene from the Limited Series, "George & Tammy". Photo Credit: Dana Hawley/Courtesy of SHOWTIME.
(L-R): Michael Shannon as George Jones and Jessica Chastain as Tammy Wynette in a scene from the Limited Series, "George & Tammy". Photo Credit: Dana Hawley/Courtesy of SHOWTIME.
(L-R): Michael Shannon as George Jones and Jessica Chastain as Tammy Wynette in a scene from the Limited Series, "George & Tammy". Photo Credit: Dana Hawley/Courtesy of SHOWTIME.
(L-R): Michael Shannon as George Jones and Jessica Chastain as Tammy Wynette in a scene from the Limited Series, "George & Tammy". Photo Credit: Dana Hawley/Courtesy of SHOWTIME.
(L-R): Michael Shannon as George Jones and Jessica Chastain as Tammy Wynette in a scene from the Limited Series, "George & Tammy". Photo Credit: Dana Hawley/Courtesy of SHOWTIME.
(L-R): Jessica Chastain as Tammy Wynette in a scene from the Limited Series, "George & Tammy". Photo Credit: Dana Hawley/Courtesy of SHOWTIME.
(L-R): Jessica Chastain as Tammy Wynette in a scene from the Limited Series, "George & Tammy". Photo Credit: Dana Hawley/Courtesy of SHOWTIME.

In conclusion, The Three of Us: Growing Up with Tammy and George offers an unforgettable and moving exploration of the lives of two legendary country music artists from the perspective of their daughter. It is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Tammy Wynette and George Jones, their music, and their profound impact on those closest to them.

Genre: Drama, Biopic, Musical drama, Created by Abe Sylvia, Based on "The Three of Us: Growing Up with Tammy and George" by Georgette Jones, Directed by John Hillcoat, Starring: Jessica Chastain, Michael Shannon, Steve Zahn, David Wilson Barnes, Walton Goggins, Opening theme "The World's Most Broken Heart" by Tammy Wynette, Country of origin: United States, Original language: English, No. of episodes: 6, Executive producers: Jessica Chastain, Kelly Carmichael, Abe Sylvia, Andrew Lazar, Josh Brolin, David C. Glasser, David Hutkin, Bob Yari, Bryan Goluboff, Ron Burkle, John Hillcoat, with Cinematography by Igor Martinovic, Editor: Katharine McQuerrey, Production companies: Freckle Films, 101 Studios, MTV Entertainment Studios, Mad Chance Productions, Blank Films Inc, Aunt Sylvia's Moving Picture Company, Brolin Productions, Original network: Showtime. (2022 - 2023)

George & Tammy is available now to stream on Showtime…

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