Introduction
On March 19, 2025, the Grand Ole Opry marked its 100th anniversary with "Opry 100: A Live Celebration," a star-studded NBC special that brought country music’s biggest names to Nashville. Hosted by Blake Shelton, the three-hour event aired live at 8/7c, simulcast on Peacock, and featured unforgettable performances from icons like Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood, and Reba McEntire. From heartfelt tributes to show-stopping duets, this celebration honored a century of country music heritage. Here’s a recap of the night’s highlights and why it’s a must-watch for fans.
Opry 100 Highlights: A Century of Music Unfolds
Star-Studded Performances Steal the Show
The night kicked off with Reba McEntire paying homage to country queens Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn, setting the tone for a lineup packed with talent. Blake Shelton, doubling as host and performer, delivered a soulful rendition of Joe Diffie’s "Pickup Man." Meanwhile, Carrie Underwood moved the crowd to tears with her tribute to Randy Travis, serenading the stroke-surviving legend with "Forever and Ever, Amen" and inviting him to sing the final "Amen" — a moment that earned a standing ovation.
Tributes to Country Music Icons
Dolly Parton, the evening’s honoree, was celebrated with a powerful group performance of "I Will Always Love You" by McEntire, Underwood, Lady A, and the Opry choir. Carly Pearce added to the reverence with a heartfelt "Jolene," calling Parton her hero. Elsewhere, Ashley McBryde and Post Malone honored Johnny Cash and June Carter, while Keith Urban serenaded Crystal Gayle with "Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue," a nod to her sister Loretta Lynn.
Emotional Moments That Hit Home
Eric Church provided one of the night’s most poignant moments, crediting the Opry with "repairing" his heart after the 2017 Las Vegas shooting. His performance of "Why Not Me" left the audience in awe. Meanwhile, Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss took fans back to the ‘90s with their haunting duet "Whiskey Lullaby," introduced by co-writer Bill Anderson, a testament to the Opry’s enduring legacy.
Why Opry 100 Is a Country Music Milestone
Broadcast from both the Grand Ole Opry House and Ryman Auditorium, this event blended live performances with historical nods to the Opry’s 1925 debut. The lineup — including Trisha Yearwood, Garth Brooks, and Kelsea Ballerini — showcased the genre’s evolution while honoring its roots. For fans, it was a rare chance to see legends and rising stars share the stage, making it a defining moment in country music history.
Conclusion
"Opry 100: A Live Celebration" wasn’t just a concert — it was a love letter to country music’s past, present, and future. From Underwood’s tear-jerking tribute to Parton’s timeless influence, the night captured the heart of the Grand Ole Opry’s century-long legacy. Missed it live? Catch the replay on Peacock and relive the magic. As the Opry looks to its next 100 years, this celebration reminds us why country music remains a cultural cornerstone. What’s your favorite moment from the night?
