What Happened to Grand Ole Opry?
The Grand Ole Opry, founded in 1925 as the WSM Barn Dance, is the longest-running live radio broadcast in U.S. history and a pivotal institution in country music. Celebrating its centennial throughout 2025 and 2026 with extensive events and global outreach, the Opry continues to showcase both legendary artists and rising stars, while its majority owner, Ryman Hospitality Properties, is currently exploring a potential sale of Opry Entertainment Group.
Quick Answer
The Grand Ole Opry remains a vibrant and central institution in country music, celebrating its 100th anniversary throughout 2025 and 2026 with special shows, international performances, and a continued focus on nurturing new talent through programs like Opry NextStage. As of August 2026, its majority owner, Ryman Hospitality Properties, is exploring the sale of its controlling stake in Opry Entertainment Group, which includes the Opry, Ryman Auditorium, and WSM Radio, amidst a surge in country music's global popularity.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
WSM Barn Dance Debuts
The Grand Ole Opry begins as the WSM Barn Dance, a live radio broadcast from Nashville, Tennessee, hosted by George D. Hay.
Renamed Grand Ole Opry
George D. Hay coins the name 'Grand Ole Opry' on air, following a classical music program, and the name sticks.
Moves to Ryman Auditorium
The Opry moves to its most famous former home, the Ryman Auditorium, where it would reside for the next 31 years and solidify its legendary status.
Grand Ole Opry House Opens
The Opry moves to its current, custom-built Grand Ole Opry House, with President Richard Nixon in attendance. A piece of the Ryman stage is moved to the new venue.
Nashville Flood Damage
The Grand Ole Opry House is severely damaged by the historic Nashville flood, leading to extensive renovations and temporary performances at other venues, including the Ryman.
COVID-19 Pandemic Response
The Opry temporarily cancels live audience shows due to the COVID-19 pandemic but continues to broadcast live on WSM Radio and Circle TV, keeping the music playing.
NBCUniversal & Atairos Acquire Stake
NBCUniversal and Atairos acquire a combined 30% stake in Opry Entertainment Group, aiming to expand the Opry's television and media reach.
Elle King Controversy
Elle King's intoxicated performance at a Dolly Parton tribute show causes controversy, leading to an Opry apology and debate over her status.
Opry 100 Centennial Celebration Begins
The year-long 'Opry 100' celebration officially kicks off, leading up to the Opry's 100th birthday in November.
Opry Live in London
The Grand Ole Opry travels overseas for the first time, performing a show at the Royal Albert Hall in London as part of its centennial celebration.
100th Anniversary Show
The Grand Ole Opry officially celebrates its 100th birthday with a special show featuring over 20 Opry members.
Opry NextStage Class of 2026 Announced
The Opry announces its new class of rising artists for the Opry NextStage program, including Alexandra Kay and Emily Ann Roberts, continuing its tradition of nurturing new talent.
Ryman Hospitality Explores Sale of Opry Entertainment Group
Ryman Hospitality Properties confirms it is exploring options to sell its 70% controlling stake in Opry Entertainment Group, which owns the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, and WSM Radio.
Dolly Parton Tribute Show
The Grand Ole Opry dedicates its Saturday night show to Country Music Hall of Fame and Opry member Dolly Parton, honoring her life, legacy, and contributions to country music.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Grand Ole Opry began its storied journey on November 28, 1925, as the 'WSM Barn Dance,' a live country-music radio broadcast from Nashville, Tennessee. Founded by George D. Hay, it quickly gained popularity and was renamed the 'Grand Ole Opry' in 1927. Over the decades, it evolved from a local radio show into a national phenomenon, becoming instrumental in establishing Nashville as the 'country music capital.' The Opry moved to its most famous former home, the Ryman Auditorium, in 1943, where it remained for 31 years, hosting legends like Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, and Johnny Cash.
In 1974, the Opry transitioned to its custom-built Grand Ole Opry House, though a six-foot circle of wood from the Ryman stage was famously preserved and placed at the center of the new stage, maintaining a symbolic link to its past. The show continued to adapt, navigating challenges such as the 2010 Nashville flood, which necessitated temporary returns to the Ryman, and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, during which it broadcast live without an audience, maintaining its unbroken circle. In 2022, NBCUniversal and Atairos acquired a combined 30% stake in Opry Entertainment Group, allowing for television specials and broader media reach.
The years 2025 and 2026 mark the Grand Ole Opry's centennial celebration, dubbed 'Opry 100.' This year-long event features an extensive schedule of shows, including 'Opry 100 Honor' shows dedicated to icons like Loretta Lynn and Charley Pride, and a historic overseas performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London in September 2025. The actual 100th-anniversary show on November 28, 2025, featured over 20 Opry members, celebrating a century of country music. The celebration extends through 2026 with the 'Summer of the Century' and continued special programming.
Crucially, as of June 2026, Ryman Hospitality Properties, the majority owner of Opry Entertainment Group (OEG), confirmed it is exploring options for selling or spinning out its 70% stake in OEG. This potential sale includes not only the Grand Ole Opry and the Opry House but also the Ryman Auditorium, WSM Radio, and other country music-related assets, reflecting the increasing global popularity of country music and demand for live experiences. The Opry continues its mission to spotlight new talent through its 'Opry NextStage' program, announcing the Class of 2026 in February 2026, featuring artists like Alexandra Kay and Emily Ann Roberts. The Opry also dedicated its August 29, 2026, show to beloved member Dolly Parton, honoring her life and legacy.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Grand Ole Opry made different choices?