The classic venue & radio show is celebrating its 100th anniversary
In celebration of its 100th anniversary, the Grand Ole Opry, with the help of member Vince Gill, unveiled a new Opry mic stand at the end of Saturday night’s show. In what has become as iconic as the Opry’s esteemed six-foot circle of wood centerstage and the world-famous Opry barn set design, this is only the fifth major redesign of the Opry mic stand in the show’s 100-year history.
“Happy 100th birthday to the Grand Ole Opry, one of the great places on earth,” Gill shares.
Since its debut in 1925, the Opry has introduced country music to fans worldwide, helped shape American culture and served as a place of hope during society’s darkest periods – from the Great Depression and World War II to two Nashville floods and a global pandemic. It has played a pivotal role in the careers of artists such as Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl, Dolly Parton, George Jones, Loretta Lynn and Charley Pride, in addition to some of today’s top country music stars like Luke Combs, Jon Pardi, Carrie Underwood, Lainey Wilson and many more. Over the last century, the Opry stage has witnessed iconic moments between artists, celebrities and even politicians, and its broadcast has evolved alongside the way the world communicates – from radio to television to digital.
One hundred artists will make Opry debuts during the 100th celebration, a nod to Opry’s tradition of launching new talent and welcoming superstar artists from outside country music to the genre’s most famous show. Seven acts have been chosen for the 2025 Opry NextStage program, presented by Tecovas, which spotlights country music’s rising talent on the Opry stage and across Opry Entertainment Group platforms.
The Opry will name country music’s 100 all-time greatest songs as determined by fans. Around the world, Opry fans will have a voice in selecting the songs that have defined country music. Opry 100 Greatest Songs will be showcased in Opry shows throughout 2025.
For decades, the Opry has marked its birthday with a special weekend in October. In 2025, the party will expand to every show throughout the month to celebrate Opry 100. Guests can expect a month-long birthday party in the Opry House lobby, a larger-than-life birthday cake on the Opry stage, appearances from country music superstars and more.
The Opry will celebrate the exact 100th anniversary of performer Uncle Jimmy Thompson playing his fiddle for the first time on what would become the Grand Ole Opry. One hundred years later, on November 28, 2025, this special show will walk through the Opry’s decades, beginning with that first performance and building toward a look to the Opry’s next century.
The Grand Ole Opry and Abrams will collaborate to publish the first book ever to include every Opry member and their contributions to country music’s most revered stage, as told by the artists themselves. Written by Craig Shelburne, 100 Years of Grand Ole Opry is an intimate and stunning behind-the-scenes visual journey through the Opry’s unparalleled history. The book will hit shelves on April 15, 2025, at retailers nationwide, on Opry100.com and at Target with an exclusive edition containing bonus content. Opry and Abrams have collaborated on additional must-have items, including 2025 wall and desk calendars and a delightful Opry-themed children’s book,“Howdy! Welcome to the Grand Ole Opry, set to debut in fall 2025.
The Opry will collaborate with some of Nashville’s most sought-after designers to create unique “only in Nashville” merchandise, artwork and collectibles.
Grand Ole Opry member and country music superstar Blake Shelton will host NBC’s Opry 100: A Live Celebration, honoring the Grand Ole Opry’s milestone 100th anniversary, on Wednesday, March 19th at 8-11 pm ET and simulcast on Peacock. The all-star celebration will showcase iconic collaborations, reflect on legendary Opry moments, and highlight exclusive digital content that honors the artists, fans and songs that define country music. The broadcast will feature performances from the Grand Ole Opry House and Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, the Mother Church of Country Music and the Opry’s most famous former home.
