What an incredible milestone for country music! The Grand Ole Opry marked its 100th anniversary on March 19th with a spectacular celebration that truly captured the heart and soul of this iconic institution.
The extraordinary three-hour special, hosted by Blake Shelton, brought together an impressive lineup of nearly 40 performers and approximately 50 Grand Ole Opry members on that hallowed stage. I was completely moved watching such legends share one space!
In one of the evening’s most powerful moments, over four dozen Opry members—ranging from Bill Anderson, the longest-serving member, to newest inductee Steven Curtis Chapman—came together for a stirring tribute to Dolly Parton with “I Will Always Love You.” The collective talent on that stage was simply breathtaking.
Other unforgettable performances included the emotionally charged collaboration between Vince Gill and Ricky Skaggs, and a nostalgic ’90s country tribute featuring Blake Shelton, Trace Adkins, and Clint Black that had me reminiscing about country music’s golden era.
The Nielsen ratings confirmed what we all suspected—this event resonated deeply with music lovers everywhere, drawing an impressive 5.3 million viewers across NBC and Peacock streaming. It dominated viewership that Wednesday night, claiming the top spot among all broadcast networks.
Interestingly, those watching from home missed the true finale—after the televised Dolly tribute, the assembled country music royalty remained on stage for a poignant rendition of “Will The Circle Be Unbroken.” What a perfect, though unseen, conclusion to such a momentous celebration of country music’s enduring legacy!