It's been a century of country music at Nashville's storied Grand Ole Opry.
The venerable institution pulled out all the stops in celebration of its platinum anniversary with a star-studded lineup hosted by Blake Shelton. Country queen Reba McEntire took the stage during NBC's Opry 100: A Live Celebration on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, to pay homage to two queens who came before her, Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn.
Reba McEntire opened the Opry 100 celebration with a moving tribute to Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn, beginning her performance with an a cappella rendition of Cline's "Sweet Dreams (Of You)", which Cline recorded just one month before her untimely death in a plane crash at age 30 on March 5, 1963. "It's an honor to be here celebrating 100 years of the Grand Ole Opry," McEntire said. "So many trailblazers paved the way for me to have the privilege of standing on this stage tonight, like two of my heroes, the great Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn."
Following this homage, McEntire performed Lynn's classic hit "You Ain't Woman Enough (To Take My Man)" from 1966. The emotional performance resonated with the audience, bringing back memories of the incredible bond shared by Cline and Lynn.
Reba’s performance conjured warm recollections of the friendship between Cline and Lynn, who shared a deep bond during their careers. Cline took on a mentor role, guiding Lynn with invaluable insights about singing and stage presence. Lynn recalled in an interview, "She taught us everything about singin', about how to act onstage, how to stagger the numbers, how to dress." Cline instilled in Lynn a resilience that would help her navigate the male-dominated world of country music.
Tragically, Cline's life was cut short, leaving an enduring impact on the music industry. Lynn lived on until age 90, passing away on October 4, 2022, but never forgot her dear friend. "I still miss her to this day," Lynn said of Cline in a 2009 interview.
The Opry 100 celebration wasn't just about honoring past legends. It featured other prominent country music stars, including a surprise collaboration between Trisha Yearwood and McEntire, performing McEntire's 1991 hit "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia." The evening was a heartwarming acknowledgment of the lasting influence of the Grand Ole Opry on generations of musicians.
The three-hour live concert hosted by Blake Shelton highlighted various artists as they paid tribute to country music's rich history. Among those who took the stage were Carrie Underwood, Post Malone, Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Kelsea Ballerini, and many notable others. Their performances brought together the essence of country music, combining heartfelt tributes with celebratory performances.
The Grand Ole Opry has been an institution for country music for a full century, a space where traditional sounds meet contemporary artists, creating memorable experiences for audiences throughout the years. March 19, 2025, marks a pivotal moment, a celebration not just of the Opry's legacy, but of the friendship and mentorship between women in the industry, modeled by Cline and Lynn and continued by McEntire.
The evening's festivities were not merely retrospective; they suggested a promising future for country music, with both seasoned stars and emerging talents showcasing their abilities on stage. Each performance built on the rich tapestry of history laid by predecessors, further linking today's artists with those who have paved the way.
The event's prominence illustrates how the Opry remains a powerhouse for showcasing talent. At its heart, it champions the narrative of country music and inspires artists to honor its roots while continuing to innovate.
This celebratory night reaffirmed the enduring allure of the Grand Ole Opry, ensuring that the spirit of country music will continue to shine in the hearts of its fans for decades to come.
