George Richey, Wynette's husband, dies

Born George Richardson on Nov. 30 1935 in Promise Land, Ark. Richey co-wrote classic country songs that were recorded by artists including Wynette and George Jones. He aided in the creation of Wynette's 'Til I Can Make It On My Own and Jones' (A Picture of Me) Without You and The Grand Tour. He produced material for Wynette, Merle Haggard, Johnny Horton, Wanda Jackson and others.

He also was a session player, working on recordings by Ringo Starr, Marty Robbins and Lefty Frizzell.

Upon marrying Wynette in 1978, Richey put his career on hold. Throughout much of the 1980s, he was her manager. Wynette passed away in 1998.

In 2001, he married the former Sheila Slaughter. In recent years, Richey educated others about the dangers of smoking. He also worked with the Country Music Hall of Fame to develop the Tammy Wynette: First Lady of Country Music exhibit, set to open on Aug. 20.

He is survived by his wife, Sheila Richey; by daughters Tatum and Deirdre and son, Kelly.