The Grand Ole Opry continues its century of country music excellence by honoring the legendary Dolly Parton for her 80th birthday. This fourth annual “Opry Goes Dolly” event takes over the Grand Ole Opry House on January 17 with a focused spotlight on her massive hits from the 1980s. Fans can witness an incredible lineup of stars including Vince Gill, Lainey Wilson, and Rhonda Vincent as they deliver powerful versions of classics from her peerless catalog. The evening also marks a significant milestone for hit songwriter Trannie Anderson who makes her official Opry debut during this high-energy celebration.
The festivities extend well beyond the stage performances with immersive experiences throughout the historic venue. Guests attending the Opry House tours on the day of the show can enjoy special birthday treats baked using Duncan Hines Dolly Parton’s mixes. A massive birthday card sits ready for fans to sign at the Opry House, and a Dolly Parton impersonator will visit the Opry Plaza for commemorative photos with attendees. The Opry Shop also introduces the limited ’80 Years of Song’ collection which includes exclusive music and merchandise for pre-order and on-site purchase.
Community impact remains a central theme for this milestone birthday bash through a generous charitable initiative. The Grand Ole Opry is donating $5 from every ticket sold for the January 17 performance to Parton’s Imagination Library. This program provides free books to children from birth to age five to encourage early literacy across all backgrounds. Supporting such a vital cause while hearing world-class musicians honor a global icon creates a truly meaningful concert experience.
The vocal performances and instrumental arrangements planned for the night highlight the enduring brilliance of these timeless compositions. The musicianship on display captures the vibrant spirit of the ’80s era that defined so much of the country music landscape. This tribute stands as a magnificent testament to a songwriter who has shaped the genre for decades.