The legacy of country music remains intact thanks in part to the Country Music Association's video series Forever Country Covers, which has today's country acts paying tribute to the genre's legends. Billy Ray Cyrus is the latest artist to take part, performing an ode to George Jones with the iconic heartbreak song, "He Stopped Loving Her Today."

Seated alone on a stool with his acoustic guitar, Cyrus shares his take on the somber ballad with slowed guitar strumming and deep vocals. A powerful rendition, Cyrus closes the song by saying, "We miss you, George."

“This is a great opportunity for the fans to experience and discover the rich heritage of the format by hearing these classic songs performed by contemporary and legendary artists,” said Damon Whiteside, CMA Senior Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships in a press release announcing the Forever Country Covers series.

Forty-five artists are participating in the video retrospective, including Easton Corbin, Billy Currington, Eric Paslay, Josh Turner, Lee Ann Womack, Lauren Alaina, Kane Brown, Dustin Lynch, Jon Pardi, Michael Ray and Drake White, among others.

The tributes will continue when the 2016 CMA Awards — the show's 50th — air on Nov. 2 on ABC.

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