Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire & Carrie Underwood Honor the Grand Ole Opry’s 95th Anniversary at the ACM Awards
When Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, and Carrie Underwood shared the stage at the ACM Awards to celebrate the Grand Ole Opry’s 95th Anniversary, it was a moment that transcended performance. It felt like a coronation of country music itself — three generations of legendary women linking the genre’s rich past, its enduring present, and its vibrant future. The energy in the room came not from spectacle, but from the profound weight of history being sung into the air.
The tribute made clear that the Grand Ole Opry is more than a stage in Nashville; it is the heartbeat of country music, a place where legends are born and traditions preserved. By placing Dolly, Reba, and Carrie at the forefront, the Opry’s essence — strength, resilience, and storytelling power — was made tangible. Each woman brought her own legacy, demonstrating how women have shaped and continue to define the sound of generations.
Dolly Parton, the genre’s eternal pioneer, opened the medley with her signature warmth and wit. Her voice, sparkling with timeless twang, carried a tender, inviting energy, reminding the audience that she remains an active, joyful presence in country music. Dolly sang with the ease of a storyteller, blending humor, heart, and authenticity, showing why she is revered not just as a legend, but as a continuing force in the industry.
Reba McEntire followed, bringing a commanding presence and undeniable fire to the stage. Her delivery was both sharp and deeply emotional, carrying the authority of decades in the spotlight. Every note, every glance, spoke to her role as an anchor of country music, a performer who bridges the old and the new while maintaining her signature strength. Reba’s performance reminded fans why she remains one of the genre’s most respected and influential figures.
Carrie Underwood, representing the modern era of country, completed the trio with soaring vocals that combined precision and passion. Her voice filled the arena, honoring the Opry’s history while affirming that its legacy continues in today’s artists. Carrie’s performance was a perfect balance of reverence and youthful energy, standing proudly alongside Dolly and Reba without overshadowing them — a true embodiment of the next generation’s strength and artistry.
Musically, the medley flowed seamlessly between classics and contemporary staples, each song weaving into the Opry’s storied tapestry. The harmonies were both effortless and monumental, blending Dolly’s honeyed sweetness, Reba’s smoky strength, and Carrie’s crystalline power. Together, their voices became symbolic of the Opry itself — timeless, enduring, and vibrant.
Visually, the staging was elegant and reverent rather than flashy. Warm golden lighting framed the trio, evoking the glow of Nashville’s legendary Opry stage. The focus remained on the women themselves, three powerful silhouettes standing strong, carrying the weight of country music’s history with poise and grace.
The emotional impact on fans was undeniable. Nostalgia swept through viewers as Dolly’s voice transported them to the 1960s and ’70s, pride and admiration swelled with Reba’s commanding presence, and hope and excitement shone through Carrie’s electrifying performance. This collaboration was more than a medley — it was a celebration of country music’s past, present, and future, delivered by three of its most beloved voices.
The ACM Awards moment with Dolly, Reba, and Carrie will be remembered as one of those rare instances where performance, history, and heart aligned perfectly, leaving a lasting imprint on the legacy of the Grand Ole Opry.