28 Entertainment announced today the acquisition of the story rights to George Jones and his wife Nancy for a feature film project about the incredible life and career of the iconic country singer. The project, written by Dennis L. Baxter and produced by Baxter and 28 Entertainment’s Jay Hoffman and Brian A. Hoffman, depicts George’s life as a country music legend while battling his personal demons.
“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. 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, I feel we are in good hands to collaborate with 28 Entertainment as we move forward with production,” said Nancy Jones.
Nancy Jones will Executive Producer and consult on the project. Baxter worked closely with Nancy and George on the story before George passed away on April 26th in Nashville at the age of 81.
“George had hoped to see the movie before he passed and worked with me to make sure the story was complete.” said Dennis Baxter
Jones’ story is one of legendary talent, fame and success, while showing the dark side of alcoholism and drug abuse to levels that few people could survive. It is also a story of healing, renewed faith and the unconditional love that ultimately pulled him through the turbulent times. 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.
George Jones had 14 number one country hits and more than 150 songs on the charts, including his award winning single “He Stopped Loving Her Today” which is considered the greatest country music song 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. Along with his induction into the Country Music Hall Of Fame he received countless other awards and accolades from ACM, CMA, Country Music Television, and of course, The Grand Ole Opry.
The deal was represented by Chris Corabi on behalf of 28 Entertainment’s Jay Hoffman, Brian A. Hoffman, and Dennis L. Baxter, and by Jess Rosen of Greenberg Traurig on behalf of George and Nancy Jones.