The Grand Ole Opry: Celebrating a Century of Country Music Magic with “Opry 100”
The Grand Ole Opry, often called the beating heart of country music, is gearing up for a monumental milestone. As the longest-running radio show in history, the Opry has long been a beacon of hope, inspiration, and toe-tapping tunes for fans across the globe. Now, as it approaches its 100th anniversary in 2025, the Opry is ready to take its celebrations to new heights, and it all kicks off with a year-long extravaganza fittingly called “Opry 100.”
Credit Chris Hollo: Courtesy Grand Ole Opry
A Century of Magic
The journey of the Opry from its humble beginnings as a Nashville radio show in 1925 to its current status as a cultural powerhouse is truly remarkable. Speaking about the upcoming centennial, Marty Stuart, a member of the Opry for 32 years, captured the significance perfectly: “The Opry is more than just showing up and keeping the red 'on air' light lit. It’s a light that spills down into people’s lives with hope and encouragement, and you know we have touched a lot of lives in 100 years.”
The Opry’s leadership is equally excited. Colin Reed, Executive Chairman of Ryman Hospitality Properties, acknowledged in a press release that the global appeal of the Opry, emphasizing that, thanks to modern platforms like Opry Live and digital streaming, “more people are connecting with the Opry than ever before.” The Opry’s 100th year is poised to expand that connection even further.
Opry Goes Global
One of the most exciting announcements for 2025 is the Opry’s international adventure. In Fall 2025, the Opry will take country music across the Atlantic, staging a historic performance at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall. This international show promises to be a genre-spanning celebration, bringing together country music’s biggest stars in a performance that highlights the rich, diverse styles of the genre. Keep your eyes peeled for details on the all-star lineup!
Opry 100 Programming: A Year-Long Party
The Opry has big plans to mark its centennial throughout 2025 with a series of unique shows and events. Starting January 3, every Opry performance will pay tribute to its 100th year, with Country Music Hall of Famer Bill Anderson kicking things off at the legendary Ryman Auditorium.
Fans can also look forward to “Opry 100 Honors,” a special series of shows dedicated to the icons who have shaped the Opry’s history, including legends like Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, and Loretta Lynn. A portion of these ticket sales will benefit the Opry Trust Fund, which has supported country artists in need for over six decades.
To honor the Opry’s tradition of launching new talent, Opry 100 will also spotlight 100 debut performances by artists, including Shaboozey, the People's Choice Country Awards New Artist of 2024.
Your Voice, Your Songs
But that’s not all! The Opry is giving fans the chance to shape the year-long celebration by helping select Opry 100 Greatest Songs, a list of the top country hits that have defined the genre. These iconic tracks will be showcased at Opry shows throughout the year, ensuring that the audience is a key part of the milestone festivities.
A Birthday Bash for the Ages
October has always been a special month for the Opry as it marks its birthday, but for Opry 100, the celebrations will span the entire month! Fans can expect a full-on party, with superstar appearances, a giant birthday cake on stage, and a month-long extravaganza in the Opry House lobby.
And on November 28, 2025, the Opry will celebrate the exact 100th anniversary of its first performance, featuring a spectacular show that walks through its storied past and offers a glimpse into its future.
Commemorative Media and Collectibles
What’s a birthday without souvenirs? Fans can look forward to the release of the book 100 Years of Grand Ole Opry, a visual and intimate journey through the Opry’s history, available starting April 2025. Along with this must-have, exclusive merchandise and collaborations with Nashville designers will roll out throughout the year, letting fans take home a piece of Opry history.
Opry’s Legacy: Past, Present, and Future
For nearly a century, the Opry has been more than just a stage—it has been a cultural phenomenon, shaping the careers of country music legends like Dolly Parton, George Jones, and Loretta Lynn while introducing the world to today’s superstars like Luke Combs and Carrie Underwood. The Opry has been a steadfast presence through good times and bad, offering hope during wars, natural disasters, and even pandemics.
As Dan Rogers, SVP & Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry, so eloquently put it in a press release: “This centennial is not just a look back—it’s a celebration of the future of country music and the artists who continue to shape its story.”
So mark your calendars, country music fans, because Opry 100 is shaping up to be a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, packed with unforgettable moments that will ensure the Opry’s magic shines bright for the next 100 years and beyond. Whether you’re a casual fan or a super fan, this is your chance to experience the Grand Ole Opry like never before!