The Grand Ole Opry marked its monumental 100th anniversary with a spectacular, history-spanning celebration that honoured its legacy, its legends, and the future it continues to shape. On the very date of its inaugural 1925 broadcast, the Opry celebrated with two star-studded shows featuring more than 25 Opry members, all paying homage to the evening when Uncle Jimmy Thompson’s single fiddle tune launched what would become the world’s longest-running radio broadcast. Airing live on WSM, SiriusXM, and across Opry social platforms, the milestone event was as much a tribute to the shared heritage of country music as it was a vibrant reminder of the genre’s evolution across a century.
The evening opened with a deeply moving moment as longtime Opry executive and Country Music Hall of Famer EW “Bud” Wendell—at 98 years old—raised the iconic curtain. Ricky Skaggs then launched the musical journey with ‘Tennessee Wagoner,' played on the very fiddle Uncle Jimmy used a century ago. The entire cast of Opry members filled the stage behind him, setting the tone for a night rooted equally in reverence and unity. Vince Gill followed by debuting the new limited-edition Martin Opry 100 guitar, marking its first public performance as he introduced audiences to the sound that will carry the Opry into its next hundred years.
Throughout the night, the Opry honored the artists, songs, and traditions that built its foundation. Bill Anderson and Kathy Mattea led a stirring ensemble rendition of ‘Will the Circle Be Unbroken,' a symbolic centrepiece for the unbroken musical legacy the Opry represents. Scotty McCreery, Mandy Barnett, T. Graham Brown, and Mark Wills guided the cast through George Jones’ timeless ‘Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes.' Performances celebrating key pillars of country history followed, including Gill, Marty Stuart, and Dailey & Vincent on ‘Wabash Cannonball,' Charlie McCoy’s electrifying ‘Orange Blossom Special,' and Mandy Barnett’s breathtaking rendition of ‘Crazy, honouring Nelson, Bradley, and Cline in one sweep.
Fans were treated to signature hits performed by the artists who made them famous—McCreery’s ‘5 More Minutes,' Jamey Johnson’s emotional ‘In Color,' and Dustin Lynch’s ‘Cowboys and Angels.' A special medley celebrating America’s diverse musical roots and upcoming 250th birthday featured Riders In The Sky, The Gatlin Brothers, Dailey & Vincent, and T. Graham Brown. The Opry also spotlighted its own lineage, honoring its longest-serving member, Bill Anderson, ahead of a heartfelt performance of ‘Thankful.'
Bluegrass and early country heritage were given center stage as Skaggs, Del McCoury, and The Whites honored Bill Monroe and the Carter Family with ‘Uncle Pen' and ‘Keep on the Sunny Side.' Songwriting, the backbone of country music, received a powerful salute from Don Schlitz and his performance of “The Gambler,” while comedy—another Opry hallmark—was celebrated by Henry Cho and Gary Mule Deer. Marty Stuart led the audience through the Opry’s string band roots, complete with the Tennessee Mafia Jug Band and the Opry Square Dancers.
The evening also highlighted the Opry’s generational family, with Lorrie Morgan’s moving ‘Something in Red' representing the bonds of legacy that stretch from her father, George Morgan, to the multi-family dynasties that shaped the Opry’s history. Gospel, an inseparable part of Opry tradition, lifted the room as The Isaacs, John Conlee, and Mark Wills delivered a medley including ‘Amazing Grace' and ‘I Saw the Light.'
A poignant segment honored new beginnings and future chapters, with Kathy Mattea—officially inducted in October—and Opry member-elect Suzy Bogguss performing '18 Wheels & A Dozen Roses' and ‘Outbound Plane.' Moments later, Vince Gill returned to reveal the fans’ choice for the greatest Opry song of all time, delivering a deeply emotional performance of ‘He Stopped Loving Her Today.' The night concluded with Steven Curtis Chapman singing ‘Grand Ole Opry Stage,' a song written for his own recent induction, sending the celebration off on a note of gratitude and continuity.
Hosted by longtime Opry announcers Charlie Mattos, Kelly Sutton, and Mike Terry, the event showcased four generations of performers, seven Country Music Hall of Famers, and luminaries from bluegrass, gospel, comedy, Western music, and songwriting. It was not merely a retrospective—it was a living, breathing testament to why the Opry remains country music’s greatest family. The shows included Anderson, Mandy Barnett, T. Graham Brown, Steven Curtis Chapman, Henry Cho, John Conlee, Dailey & Vincent, The Gatlin Brothers, Vince Gill, The Isaacs, Jamey Johnson, Dustin Lynch, Mattea, Charlie McCoy, Scotty McCreery, Del McCoury, Gary Mule Deer, Lorrie Morgan, Riders In The Sky, Ricky Skaggs, Don Schlitz, Marty Stuart, Pam Tillis, The Whites and Mark Wills. Suzy Bogguss, invited to become an official Opry member last month, also appeared. She will officially become a member on January 16.
As the Opry’s centennial celebration continues into 2026—with Opry 100 Honors shows, a performance at Carnegie Hall, and more—this unforgettable anniversary proves that the circle not only remains unbroken, but stronger and more vibrant than ever.
