The Grand Ole Opry will be celebrating its centennial birthday for the entire year leading up to its 2025 ‘birth-date.’
Beginning with the Opry’s first show of 2025, the year-long celebration – dubbed ‘Opry 100’ – will pay tribute to the artists, fans and songs that have cemented the Opry as the cultural heart and home of country music since its debut on WSM radio in 1925. The longest-serving member in Opry history, “Whispering” Bill Anderson, is set to open the 100th celebration on Jan. 3 with the first song performed in 2025. More than 230 shows will be put on at the Opry in 2025, with some weeks having a show all seven days.
32-year Opry member Marty Stuart shared: “I’ve enjoyed watching the Opry go from an edge-of-town radio show to this cultural powerhouse that has become a beacon for other shows in the nation. There is a resilience about the Opry. It’s been that oak tree presence that soldiers on and inspires people. For me, the Opry is more than just showing up and keeping the red “on air” light lit. The Opry is 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 will also be hosting “Opry 100 Honor” shows throughout 2025 which will “salute icons of the Opry who have helped forge its place in country music history.” Some of those icons include Roy Acuff, Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, Patsy Cline, Charlie Daniels, Little Jimmy Dickens, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Bill Monroe, Minnie Pearl, Charley Pride, Porter Wagoner, Hank Williams, Tammy Wynette and more.
A portion of the ticket sales from the Opry 100 Honors shows will go towards the Opry Trust Fund which assists members of the country’s music community that are in need.
Tickets for the 2025 ‘Opry 100’ shows are on sale now.
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