When George Jones and Tammy Wynette released “Golden Ring” in 1976, it struck a deep chord with country music fans—thanks not only to its haunting narrative but also to the undeniable chemistry (and tension) between two of country’s most iconic voices.
Though their marriage had ended the year before, the duo’s musical partnership remained potent. Together, they had already delivered a string of successful duets, including “We’re Gonna Hold On” and “Near You.” But “Golden Ring” would become one of their most emotionally charged and enduring collaborations—reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart just over a year after their divorce.
Written by Bobby Braddock and Rafe Van Hoy, the song tells the life story of a simple wedding ring—its journey from a pawnshop to a marriage ceremony and, eventually, back to where it began after the couple’s love dissolves. The ring itself becomes a silent witness to love, promises, disillusionment, and heartbreak. Inspired by a television drama that followed the life of a handgun through various owners, Braddock applied that storytelling structure to something more sentimental—a wedding ring—and the emotional baggage it carries.
In the song, a young couple in Chicago falls in love, buys a ring from a pawnshop, and marries the same day. But by the third verse, the relationship has broken down. The woman leaves, discarding the ring—now stripped of its meaning—back to where it started. The chorus says it all:
“Golden ring, with one tiny little stone / Cast aside like the love that’s dead and gone / By itself, it’s just a cold metallic thing / Only love can make a golden wedding ring.”
While the story is fictional, fans couldn’t help but see parallels between the song and the real-life ups and downs of Jones and Wynette’s own stormy relationship. That authenticity made the performance feel even more powerful—and painful.
Despite the raw emotions involved, the pair continued to record together sporadically throughout the late ’70s and beyond. They even revisited “Golden Ring” in later years, including a new version for Jones’s 1994 album The Bradley Barn Sessions, and once more on their final joint album One (1995).
However, not all memories of working together were fond. In his 1996 memoir, Jones reflected candidly: “That wasn’t my idea. In fact, I hated to work with her. It brought back too many unpleasant memories…” He also noted that public appearances with Wynette often sparked rumors of reconciliation—rumors that weren’t welcome.
Still, the song remains a fan favorite and arguably the duet most closely associated with their names. In a particularly memorable live performance after their split, Jones altered the lyrics slightly, singing: “Tammy said, ‘One thing’s for certain… I don’t love you anymore,’” teasing a visibly flustered Wynette in front of the crowd.
“Golden Ring” continues to be celebrated not only as a classic country duet but as a bittersweet symbol of a real-life love story that, while it didn’t last, left behind a timeless musical legacy.
Lyrics
In a pawn shop in Chicago
On a sunny summer day
A couple gazes at the wedding rings there on display
She smiles and nods her head
As he says, honey that’s for you
It’s not much, but it’s the best that I can do
Golden rings (golden ring)
With one tiny little stone
Waiting there (waiting there)
For someone to take you home
By itself (by itself)
It’s just a cold metallic thing
Only love can make a golden wedding ring
In a little wedding chapel
Later on that afternoon
An old upright piano plays that old familiar tune
Tears roll down her cheeks
And happy thoughts run through her head
As he whispers low, “With this ring, I thee wed”
Golden rings (golden ring)
With one tiny little stone
Shining ring (shining ring)
Now at last it’s found a home
By itself (by itself)
It’s just a cold metallic thing
Only love can make a golden wedding ring
In a small two-room apartment
As they fought their final round
He says, “You won’t admit it
But I know you’re leavin’ town”
She says, “One thing’s for certain
I don’t love you anymore”
And throws down the ring
As she walks out the door
Golden rings (golden ring)
With one tiny little stone
Cast aside (cast aside)
Like the love that’s dead and gone
By itself (by itself)
It’s just a cold metallic thing
Only love can make a golden wedding ring
In a pawn shop in Chicago
On a sunny summer day
A couple gazes at the wedding rings there on display
Golden ring