Three years later, crowds of around 60, 000 joined Scott's widow Lady Kathleen and young son Peter to welcome her back.

BBC: Cardiff's role in Captain Scott's trip to South Pole

The ceremony was attended by some of those who played under him, his widow Lady Elsie Robson and their sons, Andrew, Paul and Mark.

BBC: Sir Bobby Robson statue

He said Reagan led "with great grace, " and he expressed his condolences to Reagan's widow, former first lady Nancy Reagan.

CNN: Kerry suspends campaigning for Reagan mourning

Other calls have come from Lady Bird Johnson, the widow of former President Lyndon Johnson, and from actor Charlton Heston, who has announced that he too suffers from Alzheimer's disease.

CNN: Reagan observances to span five days

As former first lady Laura Bush took the stage, she thanked Jones' widow, Nancy, for giving her the opportunity to speak.

CNN: Stars, fans say goodbye to George Jones at Grand Ole Opry