Carrie Underwood created an unforgettable moment at the 100th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry on March 19. She honored the legendary singer, Randy Travis, on the same stage where he welcomed her into the Opry family 17 years ago. The 42-year-old surprised fans by inviting Travis, now 65, to join her on the stage, bringing tears to their eyes.
Randy Travis has been Underwood’s idol since she was a child. She first learned of him from a record her sister owned, which she never returned after borrowing. Her admiration for Travis continued, and she performed his song “I Told You So” on her 2007 album Carnival Ride.
Carrie Underwood’s tribute performance at the 100th Grand Ole Opry
IM NOT CRYING YOU ARE 😭 #CarrieUnderwood #Opry100 pic.twitter.com/jYTH6d0elT
— creech (not parody) (@creecher28) March 20, 2025
During the 100th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry, with the event Opry 100: A Live Celebration, Carrie Underwood got fans emotional after performing two Randy Travis songs, “Three Wooden Crosses” and “Forever and Ever, Amen.” She located him among the audience and embraced him, clearly overwhelmed to share the stage with the one who had first welcomed her to the Opry family about two decades ago.
As Randy Travis walked to the stage, the audience applauded his performance with the American Idol winner. Underwood also recalled the moment Travis surprised her with an invitation to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2008 as if it had happened yesterday. The event marked a significant season in her life and music career. Five years later, Travis suffered a stroke that made him almost unable to sing again. As Underwood celebrated the singer, fans stood on their feet to acknowledge her act of respect and appreciation.
Fans’ reaction
Other country music stars, including Jelly Roll, Reba McEntire, Post Malone, Trace Adkins, Lainey Wilson, and Kelsea Ballerini, also performed at the 100 Opry: A Live Celebration, which Blake Shelton hosted.
While celebrations will continue throughout the year, the official event is scheduled for November. Grand Ole Opry shared Travis and Underwood’s moment from 17 years ago with fans on their X account, with a picture of the country stars.