---------- Forwarded message begins here ----------
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Although George Jones is still in
critical condition, doctors say the country singer has made a
significant improvement and might be taken off his ventilator
today.
``I've got to say that he's done remarkably well,'' said Dr.
Virginia Eddy of Vanderbilt University Medical Center. ``That's not
to say that he's not very fragile at this point, but he's made a
lot of progress.''
The 67-year-old Jones, regarded by some as the greatest singer
in country music history, was driving home in his Lexus, and
talking on his cell phone, when he crashed into a bridge at about
1:30 p.m. Saturday.
It took emergency workers about two hours to free him from the
car. His liver was cut deeply, and his right lung was punctured.
As long as his liver doesn't bleed, Jones has a good chance of
recovery, the doctor said.
``The liver heals itself very well, and his injuries are of the
type that I really would expect to heal just fine without any
surgery,'' Eddy said.
Jones is conscious, but sedated. He has not spoken since the
accident, said his wife, Nancy Jones. He is communicating by
squeezing her hand.
``With the squeeze of the hand, I knew he was going to fight,''
Mrs. Jones said. ``George is just a strong person. He has a strong
will and a reason to live.''
Starting with his first hit ``Why Baby Why'' in 1955, Jones has
charted more than 140 records, including classics like ``He Stopped
Loving Her Today'' and ``A Good Year for the Roses.'' He was
married to duet partner Tammy Wynette for six years, and the pair
were known as ``The King and Queen of Country Music.'' Wynette died
last year.
Jones has been cited as an influence by singers outside the
country genre, including Elvis Costello and Ray Charles, both of
whom have recorded with him.
-=-=-
