LeAnn Rimes’ take on “He Stopped Loving Her Today” masterfully amplifies the song’s inherent sadness.

LeAnn Rimes’s rendition of “He Stopped Loving Her Today” has indeed elevated the melancholy of the song to new heights. The song, originally penned by Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman and made famous by George Jones, is a poignant narrative of undying love, culminating in the man’s death as the point when he finally ceases to love her, coinciding with her return at his funeral​​. Rimes’s performance at the Grand Ole Opry was particularly stirring, as she expressed a deep connection to the song, referring to it as one of her favorites and “the best song that’s ever been written in country music”​​​​.

In her 2011 album “Lady & Gentlemen,” Rimes covered this and other country classics originally performed by male artists, adding a unique female perspective to them. The album included tracks like Waylon Jennings’ “Good Hearted Woman” and Vince Gill’s “When I Call Your Name,” but “He Stopped Loving Her Today” held a special place for Rimes, resonating deeply with her​​.

Rimes’s ability to convey the song’s deep emotions, paired with her vocal prowess, made her rendition stand out. Despite the song’s frequent covers, Rimes’s performance, imbued with genuine emotion and a fresh perspective, distinguished it, offering a version that even George Jones might have admired​​. Her version was also recognized for capturing the essential pain and sorrow of the original, demonstrating her capability to channel the song’s depth effectively​​.

Rimes’s engagement with the song, including her emotional live performances, demonstrates the power of “He Stopped Loving Her Today” to move audiences, regardless of the performer. Her interpretation underscores the song’s timeless appeal and its ability to resonate deeply with both artists and listeners alike.