Blake Shelton Hosts Opry 100 TV Special To Celebrate The Grand Ole Opry’s 100th Birthday
Those who tuned in to the Opry 100 TV special got to watch a series of phenomenal performances from some of country music’s greatest acts, including Ricky Skaggs.
The Grand Ole Opry is celebrating its 100th birthday this year (2025). To mark the occasion, the Opry planned a multi-hour TV special called Opry 100.
Before the show aired, the Opry let fans know what type of performances they could expect from their favorite artists. They said:
“Expect a mix of country classics popularized by Opry icons, some of the artists’ smash hits, and songs that hold a special place in the artists’ hearts because of their relationship with the Opry. You don’t want to miss this special night honoring the artists, songs, and moments that have shaped country music for the last century. Join us as we celebrate country music’s past, and step into its future.”
Hosted by Opry member Blake Shelton, Opry 100 aired on NBC at 8/7c on Wednesday, March 19. The show was also available to stream on Peacock.
The all-star lineup featured artists such as Travis Tritt, Trace Adkins, Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, Clint Black, and Ricky Skaggs. Other Opry legends, including Bill Anderson, Randy Travis, Jeannie Seely, and Barbara Mandrell, made special appearances during the program.
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Ricky Skaggs’ History With The Grand Ole Opry
Ricky Skaggs was only seven years old when he made his first televised appearance on Flatt & Scruggs’ Martha White show in 1961.
As a youngster, Skaggs dreamed of becoming an Opry member one day:
“That was a childhood dream of mine,” he recalled. “I used to go to sleep on my grandfather’s lap, listening to the Grand Ole Opry in his Ford pickup truck out by the barn. The sound would come and go up in those Kentucky mountains, but when it would come back in, it was the greatest sound in the world.”
Skaggs’ childhood dream came true when he was officially inducted into the Opry by Ernest Tubb on May 15, 1982. He was 27 years old. Now age 70, Skaggs has been a member of the Opry for over four decades. His wife, Sharon White of The Whites, is also an Opry member.
Over the years, Skaggs has played a pivotal role in helping other Opry members’ dreams come true. He’s invited Trisha Yearwood, The Isaacs, and Steven Curtis Chapman to join the Opry.
Rick Skaggs Performs With Vince Gill And Sonya Isaacs During Opry 100
Needless to say, the Opry 100 special wouldn’t have been complete without Ricky Skaggs. Thankfully, he was able to participate, and his performance was a highlight of the night.
Skaggs joined fellow Opry members Vince Gill and Sonya Isaacs for an incredibly emotional performance. They united to sing Gill’s heart-tugging song, “Go Rest High on That Mountain.”
Gill started writing “Go Rest High” after Keith Whitley died in 1989. Then, he finished writing the song after his older brother, Bob, passed away in 1993.
Before Vince sang “Go Rest High” during Opry 100, he dedicated his performance to his almost 100-year-old mother…and Bob. He said:
“This is for her son.”
The performance was extra meaningful for Skaggs, too. He’s been a decades-long friend of Gill’s and sang backing vocals on the original “Go Rest High” recording with Patty Loveless. In a red carpet interview before Opry 100, Skaggs shared that Loveless was unable to attend, so Isaacs would sing her part.
To make things even more emotional, the performance served as the backdrop for an “In Memoriam” segment honoring Opry members who’ve passed away. We’re sure there wasn’t a dry eye in the room by the time Skaggs, Gill, and Isaacs finished singing.
Whenever people think of the Grand Ole Opry, they often think of Ricky Skaggs, and his Opry 100 performance proves why.