George Jones axes gig following hospitalisation

Veteran country star George Jones has cancelled two upcoming shows as he continues to recover from an upper respiratory tract infection.

The 80-year-old singer was admitted to a medical facility in Nashville, Tennessee on 29 March (12) and was kept under the care of medics until 3 April (12).

He had hoped to be back onstage for a concert in Minnesota on Friday (20Apr12), but he's axed the show, along with a gig in South Dakota the following night (21Apr12).

A statement from Jones on his website reads, "I never want to cancel a show, but I have to do what the doctors tell me. I thank all the fans from the bottom of my heart for their prayers and I look forward to seeing them on the road soon."

Jones is next due to perform in Arlington, Texas on 27 April (12).