George Jones Biopic in Works at 28 Entertainment
28 Entertainment has begun work on a movie about iconic country music singer George Jones and his wife Nancy, the company announced Tuesday.
It has acquired the rights to the project, written by Dennis L. Baxter and produced by Baxter and 28 Entertainment's Jay Hoffman and Brian A. Hoffman, which depicts George's life as a country music legend while battling his personal demons.
Nancy Jones will executive produce and consult on the project. Baxter worked closely with Nancy and George on the story before the singer died on April 26 in Nashville at the age of 81, she said.
"Over the years we have been approached to make George's life into a feature film, but it was not until Dennis Baxter became involved that we were confident the story could be told accurately," Nancy said.
Also read: 5 George Jones Performances You Must Watch (Video)
"George and I started working with Dennis six years ago in crafting the life-long story. Knowing George had input in this film and that it will be told the way he wanted it told."
"George had hoped to see the movie before he passed and worked with me to make sure the story was complete." said Baxter
The script portrays a life that was torn apart by addiction in a very public way, and was saved by the incredible love story of Nancy and George.
"George's career is one of the most celebrated of country music legends, and we feel it is important to tell his story for fans and music lovers around the world. We are huge fans of George and his music and look forward to working closely with Nancy as we bring his life to the big screen," said Jay Hoffman of 28 Entertainment.
Jones had 14 No. 1 country hits and more than 150 songs on the charts, including his award-winning single "He Stopped Loving Her Today," which is considered among the greatest country music songs of all time.
Jones was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992, named a Kennedy Center Honoree in 2008 and in 2012 was presented with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award.
Chris Corabi worked on the deal on behalf of 28 Entertainment and Jess Rosen of Greenberg Traurig represented Nancy Jones.
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