Jones Is Breathing On His Own

George Jones is making progress in his recovery from a near-fatal car accident. The country singer was removed from a ventilator Tuesday and breathing on his own. He will probably remain hospitalized for the rest of the month.

"I think that he's demonstrated very amply that he's made of tough stuff," Dr. Virginia Eddy of Vanderbilt University Medical Center said. "On the one hand, he's very sick. He's extremely fragile. But on the other hand, he's still doing better than I would have expected at this point."

Jones, 67, has been listed in critical condition since crashing his sport-utility vehicle Saturday.

His wife says there is no doubt Jones is better.

"I really believe that George is getting better because he is getting mad that the doctors keep poking at him," Mrs. Jones said.

"As long as he's grouchy, I know he's getting better."

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.

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