Shaboozey's debut, Royal Albert Hall show announced for Grand Ole Opry's 100th birthday in 2025

The Grand Ole Opry's 100th birthday will feature a jaw-dropping and mind-blowing series of events for fans throughout 2025.

This is, of course, the same Grand Ole Opry that has seen President Richard Nixon perform onstage, and most recently, where Post Malone made a stunning August 2024 debut.

By the time the Grand Ole Opry debuts at London's Royal Albert Hall in Fall 2025, Shaboozey's Jan. 18, 2025 debut could mark the "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" performer having already shattered Lil Nas X's record of a Billboard all-genre Hot 100 hit for 19 weeks.

And that's only scratching the surface.

100th birthday plans for the Grand Ole Opry

Marty Stuart, a 32-year Opry member, said the venue is it at its evolutionary peak from an "edge-of-town radio show" to an "inspirational cultural powerhouse that has become a beacon and an oak tree presence" that "spills down into people's lives with hope and encouragement."

Opry officials said that a date for the fall 2025 debut at London's Royal Albert Hall is forthcoming. The program has also indicated they will host "more Opry shows than ever before," including a special "Opry 100 Honors" show series, plus 100 Opry debuts throughout the year, including Shaboozey's on Jan. 18.

Tickets for many of the Opry's 2025 events will be available for purchase on Oct. 18 via opry.com .

An official Abrams Books-published "100 Years of Grand Ole Opry" book also arrives on Apr. 15, 2025, with other limited edition "Opry 100" merchandise being released throughout the year.

"Our management team has spent the last 20 years stewarding the Grand Ole Opry with a laser focus on expanding its reach," Opry parent company Ryman Hospitalities executive chairman Colin Reed said.

"Our 2025 plans represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make the Opry more accessible than ever before," said Patrick Moore, CEO of Opry Entertainment Group. "For decades to come, people will look back on this year as the one they first discovered or deepened their connection with the show that made country music famous. We've packed our calendar with moments so everyone — from casual fans to super fans — can enjoy the magic of the Grand Ole Opry from wherever they are in the world."

More details on the Opry's overseas plans

The Opry's will stage a's fall 2025 performance at London's Royal Albert Hall will "feature an all-star cast that will bring to life the rich and diverse musical styles found within the country music genre," according to an official statement.

This U.K. expansion follows the Oct. 2023 announcement that U.K. and Ireland-based free-to-air television channel Sky Arts would air hour-long "Opry Live" showcase concerts featuring Luke Combs, Old Crow Medicine Show, Asleep At The Wheel, Chris Janson, Zach Williams, Chris Young, Lauren Alaina and Craig Morgan.

"As country music continues to gain mainstream popularity in the U.K. and Ireland, thanks in part to global superstars like Luke Combs, we are pleased to partner with Sky Arts on this special presentation that shares the magic of the Opry through some of his most memorable appearances," Reed said.

Opry 100 year-at-a-glance

• As usual, in January 2025 the Opry will be at downtown Nashville's Ryman Auditorium through Jan. 17, the program's host venue from 1943 to 1974. On the show's Jan. 3 edition, Country Music Hall of Famer "Whispering" Bill Anderson, the longest-serving member in Opry history, has been tapped to open the 100th celebration with the first song performed in 2025.
• "Opry 100 Honors" shows honoring legends including Roy Acuff, Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, Patsy Cline, Charlie Daniels, Little Jimmy Dickens, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Bill Monroe, Minnie Pearl, Charley Pride, Porter Wagoner, Hank Williams, Tammy Wynette and more will be held. A portion of these ticket sales will benefit the Opry Trust Fund, which, for 60 years, has assisted members of the country's music community in need.
• The Opry will name country music's 100 all-time greatest songs as determined by fans worldwide. Those songs will be showcased in Opry shows throughout 2025.
• On Nov. 28, 2025, the Opry will celebrate the 100th anniversary of performer Uncle Jimmy Thompson sitting down and playing his fiddle for the first time on what would become the Grand Ole Opry. A press statement describes the event as "(walking) through the Opry's decades, beginning with that first performance and building toward a look to the Opry's next century."
• The Grand Ole Opry and Abrams Books-released "100 Years of Grand Ole Opry" was written by historian Craig Shelburne and is available for pre-order at Opry100.com with exclusive editions containing bonus content available at select retailers. Opry and Abrams have also collaborated on 2025 wall and desk calendars, plus an Opry-themed children's book titled "Howdy! Welcome to the Grand Ole Opry," debuting in fall 2025.
• Other limited-edition commemorative merchandise, including apparel and home goods, will be released in Jan. 2025 and available online at Opry100.com .

"This centennial is not just a look back — it’s a celebration of the future of country music and the artists who continue to shape its story,” Grand Ole Opry Senior Vice President and Executive Producer Dan Rogers said. “Most importantly, we are grateful to the fans, artists, employees, Nashville and the entire country music community who have helped us reach this special moment. We can’t wait for everyone to join us for what will be an unforgettable year."

For the latest updates on Opry 100 and to purchase tickets, visit Opry100.com .

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Shaboozey's debut, Royal Albert Hall show announced for Grand Ole Opry's 100th birthday in 2025