How George Jones helped Justice Thomas before his wedding day
George Jones.
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Country singer George Jones, who died on Friday at the age of 81, was apparently a fan of Justice Clarence Thomas. And the feeling, it seems, was mutual.
NPR explains. During a 2010 interview with the network, Jones offered a tour of his basement where he showed off hit records, stuffed opossums in honor of his “Possum” nickname, and a framed letter from Thomas.
In the letter dated Sept. 10, 1993, Thomas said he was going through the mail he received during the confirmation process when he found two letters, several cassette tapes and a compact disc from Jones. Thomas thanked the singer and said he has listened to his music for over a decade.
“You may be interested to know that I used one of your songs to allay the concerns of my bride’s mother,” Thomas wrote. “Prior to our wedding, she expressed some concern about this being my second marriage. At that time, I had been listening repeatedly to one of your albums which unfortunately is packed away. I believe it was entitled ‘Wine Colored Roses.’ I apologize in advance if that is wrong. One of the songs contained the lyrics: ‘I put a golden band on the right left hand this time; and the right left hand put a golden band on mine.’ As I said before, your music has captured so much of my own feelings.”
According to NPR, the song is called “Right Left Hand” and it is about finding love after false starts. Thomas has been married to Virginia “Ginni” Thomas since 1987. They spend their summers traveling in their RV, sometimes parking in Wal-Mart parking lots.
Hat tip to How Appealing.
