A large monument that George Jones began designing years before his death was unveiled on Monday (Nov. 18). Friends, family and fans packed the singer's gravesite to witness the historic revealing before the singer's widow, Nancy, shared another way the legend's legacy will live on.

Nancy Jones will begin a scholarship  in her late husband's name for students attending Middle Tennessee State University. "I am thrilled that we will be able to help young people in the name of George Jones," she said during her prepared remarks in front of the new monument.

“George would have liked the fact that MTSU attracts so many first-generation college students, as well as students who face financial challenges,” she added, according to the Tennessean. “Like George, they are hard-working folks who are determined to make their dreams a reality.”

The actual monument at the Woodlawn Roesch-Patton Memorial Park features a tall arch bearing the icon's last name. "He Stopped Loving Her Today," the title of his most famous song, is etched beneath, and the left side shares the singer's story. The right side is blank, reserved for Jones' wife of 30 years.

In the center is an acoustic guitar and a carved photo of the couple above the words "The Possum." There are benches on either side, with stone steps leading up to the monument, which sits just feet away from the where Jones' body is buried.

"All of his fans are really hardcore country music fans," Nancy said, according to Billboard. "I think they deserve to come out and see something just a little different. They can sit on the bench and see their idol."

Jones died in April 2013 at the age of 81. This week is George Jones Week in Nashville, culminated by Friday night's all-star tribute concert. Over 100 stars will take the stage for Playin' Possum! The Final No Show.

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Rick Diamond, Getty Images
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George Jones
Rick Diamond, Getty Images
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Memorial
Rick Diamond, Getty Images
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