The Grand Ole Opry marked a century on the airwaves with a momentous celebration at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium on January 3. The evening began with a heartfelt tribute led by Bill Anderson, the Opry’s longest-tenured member, who performed newly-written lyrics to the iconic song ‘Will The Circle Be Unbroken.' Anderson’s verse honoured the Opry’s journey from its humble beginnings in 1925 to its place as a cornerstone of country music:
JUST AN OLD TIME FIDDLE PLAYER
BACK IN 1925
NOW ONE-HUNDRED LONG YEARS LATER
WHAT HE STARTED IS STILL ALIVE…
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GRAND OLE OPRY
STARS WHO'RE HERE AND STARS WHO'VE GONE
MAY YOUR MUSIC LAST FOREVER
AS THE WHOLE WORLD SINGS YOUR SONG.
A Tribute to Jimmy Carter
Saturday night’s show was dedicated to former President Jimmy Carter, a frequent visitor to the Opry before, during, and after his presidency. Opry member Charlie McCoy performed ‘Georgia On My Mind' in honour of Carter and his home state.
Opry 100: A Year-Long Celebration
Throughout 2025, the Grand Ole Opry will honour the artists, fans, and timeless songs that have shaped its legacy over the past century. As part of the celebrations, the Ryman Auditorium unveiled a new Opry 100 exhibition. The exhibit chronicles the Opry’s journey from its debut as a radio broadcast to becoming an enduring symbol of American culture and the heartbeat of country music.
Upcoming Performances and Events
The Opry at the Ryman series continues with shows on January 10, 11, and 17, featuring performances from Opry members including Kelsea Ballerini, Ashley McBryde, Old Crow Medicine Show, Steve Wariner, and Lainey Wilson. The Opry will return to its permanent home at the Grand Ole Opry House on January 18.
For a full schedule of Opry 100 events and tickets, visit Opry.com. To learn more about the Grand Ole Opry’s anniversary celebrations, visit Opry100.com and follow the Opry on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube.
🎥 Watch Highlights: Footage Available Here
