Johnny Cash. Dolly Parton. Carrie Underwood. All kinds of country artists have earned love and attention from audiences around the world. But there’s one stage in Nashville, Tennessee, that holds a special place in country music history. It’s the Grand Ole Opry. This iconic show is celebrating its 100th anniversary on November 28, 2025!
The Opry started on November 28, 1925. A radio show began. The very first broadcast featured a fiddle player named Uncle Jimmy Thompson. As the radio show grew, fans started gathering outside the station. They peeked through windows. The audience grew. The station had to move to the Ryman Auditorium in 1943. It earned the nickname “the Mother Church of Country Music.”
The crowds continued to grow. The Ryman became too small. So, in 1974, the Opry moved to its current home. That’s the Opry House, which can seat 4,000 people. Over the years, families across the United States have tuned in every week to listen to the radio broadcasts. Country music fans have traveled to Nashville for the live performances.
To mark its 100th anniversary in 2025, the Opry has introduced a brand-new kind of broadcast: its first performance outside of the U.S. On September 26, 2025, the Opry hosted a special broadcast in London, England, featuring artists like Luke Combs, Darius Rucker, and Mumford & Sons. The milestone year also includes special events like shows at the Ryman Auditorium in January, a book, and a new album. Throughout 2025, the Opry has been celebrating its musical history and spotlighting up-and-coming talent. The show plans to feature 100 new artists on its stage this year.
One of the newest stars to make her debut at the Opry is MÕRIAH. The Mexican-American singer blends traditional Mexican sounds with American country. During her debut performance on September 26, MÕRIAH shared the story of her grandfather’s music and her hopes for the future of country music. Her performance showed how the Opry continues to grow by embracing new voices and sounds while still honoring its roots.
That night, the stage was filled with a variety of performances. Riders in the Sky brought a fun, western-style sound to the audience, even performing songs from the movie Toy Story. Bluegrass band Sister Sadie energized the crowd with their fast-paced music, while country legends Connie Smith and Don Schlitz inspired fans to sing along to their classic hits.
The Grand Ole Opry isn’t just about celebrating the past. It looks to the future of country music. Over its 100 years, the show has people through their love of music. It celebrates the stars of today while supporting the artists of tomorrow.
Dan Rogers is a leader at the Grand Ole Opry. He said, “This year 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.”
By Hannah Marcum
Updated November 24, 2025, 5:00 P.M. (ET)
