Nashville, Tennessee—On March 19, 2025, the Grand Ole Opry marked its centennial with an unforgettable evening showcasing some of country music's most prominent stars. Among the highlights, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood performed tributes to the legendary duo, George Jones and Tammy Wynette. This landmark celebration not only honored the past but also highlighted the contemporary talents that continue to shape the genre.
The night began with Brooks stepping onto the iconic stage, ready to pay homage to country music history. He opened with a stirring rendition of "He Stopped Loving Her Today," a song deeply associated with Jones, regarded by many as the greatest singer in country music. “100 years of country music, that’s some rich history right there,” Brooks said, setting the tone for the evening. He continued, “You talk about the history of country music, there is going to be a question coming up in the first five minutes, ‘Who is the greatest singer in country music?’ You’re going to ask 100 different people, and you’re going to get 100 different answers. But for me, it’s who it always was and who it always will be: George Jones,” reflecting a sentiment shared by many within the industry.
Yearwood then took the stage, paying tribute to Wynette with her performance of “Your Good Girl’s Gonna Go Bad.” The duo, who have both had storied careers, came together for their final number—a heartfelt rendition of “Golden Ring,” originally a collaboration between Jones and Wynette. Their presence on stage felt like a bridge connecting the roots of country music with its vibrant present.
Both Brooks and Yearwood have long histories with the Opry. Yearwood made her debut on February 29, 1992, and officially became a member on March 13, 1999, celebrating her contribution to the Opry and the country music scene with a milestone event last year. Brooks, who debuted in 1989, was inducted into the Opry on October 6, 1990. Their longstanding relationships with the Opry strengthen the significance of their performances tonight, showcasing the importance of legacy in music.
This centennial celebration was hosted by Blake Shelton, who welcomed a host of other talents including Reba McEntire, who paid tribute to Patsy Cline, and Keith Urban among many others. The three-hour live special aired on NBC, featuring not just performances but heartfelt tributes to country music icons from Johnny Cash to Loretta Lynn.
However, the celebration of history was tinged with Brooks’ recent legal challenges, adding complexity to the event. In October 2024, a woman known only as Jane Roe filed a lawsuit against him, alleging a range of serious accusations, including sexual misconduct during a work trip in 2019. Brooks firmly denies these allegations, stating, “For the last two months, I have been hassled to no end with threats, lies and tragic tales of what my future would be if I did not write a check for many millions of dollars. It has been like having a loaded gun waved in my face.” This ongoing situation has loomed over him, but he has received unwavering support from Yearwood, who reportedly “believes Garth and has complete faith that the allegations are false.”
The Opry event tonight was a reminder of how deeply intertwined the personal and professional can be in the lives of artists. Brooks and Yearwood's marriage, which began in December 2005, mirrors the union of Jones and Wynette, who collaborated together for over 20 years even after their divorce in 1975. Their artistry has left an indelible mark on country music, with hits like “Take Me,” “The Ceremony,” and “Golden Ring” becoming staples within the genre, forever tying their legacies together.
As the night unfolded, the legacy of George Jones and Tammy Wynette echoed throughout the Grand Ole Opry, reasserting their influence on artists today. Wynette passed away in April 1998 at the age of 55, and Jones followed in 2013 at age 81. Their contributions to country music were fittingly celebrated through the performances that graced the stage.
The evening concluded not just as a celebration of a historic milestone but also as a complex tapestry woven with shared histories, legacy, and the unfolding narratives of the artists involved. The Grand Ole Opry remains a vital touchstone for country music, bridging generations and honoring rich traditions that continue to thrive today.
