Country music icon Carrie Underwood delivered a heartfelt tribute to Randy Travis at the 100th anniversary celebration of the Grand Ole Opry, bringing the audience to tears. The event, titled Opry 100: A Live Celebration, was a star-studded occasion, with legendary artists gathering to honor the historic milestone.
A Touching Tribute to a Country Legend
Carrie Underwood, who was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry by Randy Travis in 2008, took the stage to pay homage to the country music legend. Before performing, Underwood shared a personal memory from her childhood. She recalled how her sister owned a cassette tape of Travis’ music, and once she got her hands on it, she never returned it. That early introduction to Travis’ music played a significant role in shaping her love for country music.
Travis, a Country Music Hall of Famer, suffered a stroke in 2013, which severely impacted his ability to sing. Despite this, his influence on the genre remains undeniable, and Underwood’s tribute reflected the deep admiration that country artists and fans continue to have for him.
A Performance That Moved the Crowd
Underwood performed two of Travis’ most beloved songs, “Three Wooden Crosses” and “Forever and Ever, Amen.” As she sang, the atmosphere inside the Grand Ole Opry was filled with emotion. The audience watched in awe as Underwood delivered a soul-stirring performance that honored Travis’ legacy.
The most touching moment of the night came at the end of “Forever and Ever, Amen.” Underwood approached Travis, who was seated in the audience, and handed him the microphone for the closing “Amen.” The legendary singer, despite his health challenges, delivered the final word of the song, sending waves of emotion throughout the crowd. The entire audience rose to their feet, giving an extended standing ovation as Underwood embraced Travis in a heartfelt hug.
Fans React to the Emotional Moment
Social media erupted with emotional reactions from fans who witnessed the touching tribute. Users on X (formerly Twitter) shared clips of the moment, with one fan posting, “I’M NOT CRYING, YOU ARE!” alongside a video of Travis singing the final note. Another wrote, “THREE WOODEN CROSSES. I was NOT ready,” followed by crying emojis.
The Grand Ole Opry’s official account also shared a heartfelt post, recalling the moment Travis welcomed Underwood into the Opry family 17 years ago. The post included a throwback photo from 2008, showing Travis standing beside a young Underwood as she officially became a member.
A Night of Star-Studded Performances
The Grand Ole Opry’s 100th-anniversary celebration was filled with unforgettable performances. Hosted by Blake Shelton, the event showcased some of the biggest names in country music, including Jelly Roll, Reba McEntire, Post Malone, Trace Adkins, Lainey Wilson, and Kelsea Ballerini.
Underwood made a stunning appearance at the event, donning a lavish, one-shoulder black gown with a sheer, flowing train. She accessorized with statement earrings, embodying classic country music elegance.
A Year-Long Celebration of Country Music
Although Opry 100: A Live Celebration aired on NBC on March 19, the official 100th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry will take place in November 2025. Throughout the year, the Opry will continue hosting special events and concerts to honor a century of country music excellence.
With emotional moments like Underwood’s tribute to Randy Travis, the Grand Ole Opry’s centennial celebration has already proven to be a historic and heartfelt tribute to the legends of country music.
