Watch Alan Jackson Serenade His Recently Passed Mother at the Ryman
Ruth Musick, the mother of country music legend Alan Jackson, and known affectionately by Alan Jackson fans as “Mama Ruth,” passed away Saturday (1-7-17) at her home in Newnan, Georgia—the same town where Alan Jackson was born. Mama Ruth was 86-years-old.
She was born April 2, 1930 in Lowell, Georgia, and married Alan Jackson’s dad Joseph Eugene “Daddy Gene” Jackson at the age of 16 in 1946. Jackson’s dad died in 2000. The couple had five children, including Jackson’s four sisters Diane, Cathy, Carol, and Connie.
“Mama Ruth” wasn’t just your average musical mother. She lived in the same house in Newnan, built around her father’s tool shed from the time Alan Jackson was born, all the way until she died. In the humble home, Alan Jackson grew up primarily listening to gospel, and it inspired him to record an album for his mother called Precious Memories in 2006 to give to her as a Mother’s Day present. Cut with a small band, Jackson never planned to release the album commercially, but when he was assuaged to do so, it became a fan favorite, eventually going platinum. Jackson even recorded a follow up called Precious Memories Volume II in 2013.
After releasing the original Precious Memories record, Alan Jackson took his stripped down gospel band to the “Mother Church of Country Music,” a.k.a the Ryman Auditorium, and in a moment captured on camera, serenaded his mother with the album’s final song written by Dale Dodson called “I Want to Stroll Over Heaven with You.”
“Mama Ruth,” as well as Alan Jackson’s mother-in-law, can be seen embracing throughout the performance.
RIP “Mama Ruth.”
January 8, 2017 @ 10:09 am
So sorry for Mr.Alan Jackson. This is a very beautiful way to send your Condolences.
January 8, 2017 @ 12:24 pm
That was so beautiful. AJ is only 6 days older than me and my mom is a year older than Mama Ruth so this hits pretty close to me. I try to appreciate my mom every day because you never know.
January 8, 2017 @ 1:02 pm
Prayers for Alan & the family.
January 8, 2017 @ 7:07 pm
So very sorry to hear about the passing of your dear mother words can’t say how you feel now but want to give you my deepest sympathy to you and all the family Auntie LaWanda Brothers
January 8, 2017 @ 5:27 pm
Very sad news. RIP and thank you Alan for sharing her with us.
January 8, 2017 @ 6:04 pm
Alen, just remember it,s not good bye, it,s i,LL see you when I get home. We all have to go home one day. And you can hold her tight once more. Bob and marie Bodamer
January 8, 2017 @ 7:17 pm
So sorry to here this a mother passing is awfull.
But remember shes with her love your father, were she belongs she’s in a better place she is all was there with you I’m a mother myself sir, I would watch over my children if I sould pass, so this is what she is doing watching over you and your sistet
January 8, 2017 @ 7:25 pm
Sorry to hear about the passing of your mother want to send my sympathy to all the family RIP
Mama Ruth
January 8, 2017 @ 7:42 pm
Alan i’m deeply sorry for your lose. My prays are with you & your family.
January 8, 2017 @ 7:55 pm
She was very musical, a great singer, and was always singing to the kids. Her maiden name was Musick, ironically. But, her folks passed early in her childhood. It was Eugene’s Dad’s property & toolshed.
January 8, 2017 @ 8:04 pm
Album I’m sorry to hear about your mother I know that’s a hard thing to lose I lost my love was for how to live without a mother for a long time I’m 66 but I still have the memories and that’s the most important thing just remember she’s in a better place you’re my favorite what country western singer you will always be my favorite country singer my name is Harvey Orr and remember that name for some day I walk Up and Shake Your Hand
January 8, 2017 @ 10:20 pm
I very sorry Alan…. My mother passed away in 2001 March 12 … And it still gets to me
January 9, 2017 @ 3:55 am
I am very sorry for your loss i lost my parents in 2005 and 2006 lost my youngest son at 19years old in 2000 lost my husband in 2012 it’s will always hurt and i will always miss them but i will always have my memories God be with you
January 9, 2017 @ 6:34 am
Sorry for your loss , memories are forever buddy. Remember every time you look up to heaven your Momma will looking down. Prayers and thoughts to you and yours.
January 9, 2017 @ 8:30 am
RIP Mama Ruth. I had Alan’s version of The Old Rugged Cross played at my wife’s funeral. Dearly love both of the Precious Memories CD’s.
January 9, 2017 @ 12:41 pm
I am sorry for you and your family of your loss. I just loss my daddy a week ago but we know that they are with God so they are blessed, God bless you Sir.
January 10, 2017 @ 9:17 am
I grew up in Newnan. Alan was a good friend of my brother and he used to hang out at our house. His sister Connie was in my high school graduating class. The Alan you see on stage and screen is the real Alan. Humble and truly one of the good guys. Go rest high on that mountain, Mama Ruth. You and Daddy Gene raised a fine family.
August 16, 2018 @ 8:50 pm
RIP Mama Ruth! I love Alan Jackson’s Precious Memories album. It has all the old gospel songs I grew up with and he does a beautiful job with them. I especially love the Walks Through Heaven. I always think of my Mother.
February 15, 2019 @ 12:14 pm
“My mama has been killing me for 10 years to make a gospel album”. I’m thankful you did. She knew that all your fans would love these songs. I’m just sad you didn’t put Amazing Grace on the first album. Most of us old folks relate to that song more than any other one. It was good seeing your wife and daughters in the audience . I had them play your Amazing Grace at my husband’s funeral Jan. 14, 2015. It was one of his favorite . Thank you Alan for an amazing journey !
January 13, 2022 @ 9:29 am
Just came across this about his Mom passing. There is a purity about Alan’s character n one of his music. His love for his Mom was one of love n honor n respect personified. Love his music THE OLDER I GET AMEN