IN LOVING MEMORY: Alan Jackson’s Mother “Mama Ruth” Passes Away at 86 — The Quiet Strength Behind a Country Legend
January 7, 2017 marked a quiet but profound loss in the world of country music as Mrs. Ruth Musick “Mama Ruth” Jackson, the beloved mother of country superstar Alan Jackson, passed away peacefully at her home in Newnan, Georgia. She was 86 years old.
To millions of fans, she was “Mama Ruth”—a figure of grace, resilience, and faith who quietly became a cherished symbol in the story of her son’s rise to country music royalty. But to those who knew her best, she was a devoted wife, a loving mother of five, a grandmother, and a great-grandmother who anchored her family with unwavering love and an unshakeable belief in God.
Born on April 2, 1930 in Lowell, Georgia, Ruth Musick was just 16 when she married Joseph Eugene “Daddy Gene” Jackson in 1946. Their love story became the foundation for a close-knit family that included daughters Diane, Cathy, Carol, and Connie—and their youngest child and only son, Alan. Together, Ruth and Eugene built a modest but deeply meaningful life. They made their home—quite literally—out of an old tool shed, a humble place that Alan would later immortalize in song as a symbol of family, struggle, and love.
That home, where Mama Ruth lived for over 70 years until her final day, became more than just a house—it became the heart of Alan Jackson’s music and message. Her values, sacrifices, and unwavering spirit inspired many of the most heartfelt moments in his career.
Most notably, Mama Ruth was the inspiration behind Precious Memories, a collection of gospel hymns Alan originally recorded as a Mother’s Day gift for her. The album, never intended for commercial release, was filled with the sacred songs she loved. But once fans got a glimpse of its raw sincerity and devotion, the album became a beloved classic. Similarly, his holiday album Let It Be Christmas was recorded at her gentle urging—proof again of how deeply her voice shaped his.
In the song Home, Alan paid direct tribute to his mother’s quiet strength:
“My mama raised five children – four girls, and there was me.
She found her strength in faith in God and a love of family.
She never had a social life; home was all she knew,
Except the time she took a job to pay a bill or two.”
The words still ring true decades later, capturing the essence of a woman who lived simply but loved deeply.
Even as Alan rose to fame, Mama Ruth remained a presence—sometimes attending award shows with her son, always welcoming fans to her front porch in Newnan. Many have recounted arriving unannounced at the Jackson family home only to be greeted with warm hospitality, a shared memory, or even a glass of iced tea. She made everyone feel like part of the family.
Her husband, Eugene, passed away in January 2000. And now, 17 years later, Mama Ruth has joined him—leaving behind a powerful legacy of faith, humility, and maternal devotion. She is survived by her five children, 12 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. And of course, by a son who never stopped carrying her influence in every note he sang.
For fans of Alan Jackson, Mama Ruth was more than just a name in the liner notes—she was part of the fabric of his story, and by extension, part of theirs. Her spirit lives on in the hymns, the holiday songs, and the heartfelt ballads that remind us of where we come from and who raised us to be who we are.To learn more about her remarkable life, visit www.McKoon.com.
Rest in peace, Mama Ruth. Your light shines on in the music.