Carrie Underwood Pays Tribute to Randy Travis at Grand Ole Opry’s 100th Anniversary Celebration

The eight-time Grammy winning singer and songwriter sang two of Randy Travis’s biggest hits during the star-studded event.

Carrie Underwood attends the 2022 People's Choice Awards in Santa Monica, Calif., on Dec. 6, 2022. Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Country singing star Carrie Underwood took the stage at Grand Ole Opry’s 100th anniversary celebration on Wednesday to honor fellow country star Randy Travis, who was also in attendance.

The event at Nashville’s historic concert hall marked a rare public appearance for Travis, 65, who suffered a near-fatal stroke in 2013 that caused him to develop aphasia, a condition that has limited his ability to speak and sing.

During the special tribute, the “Jesus, Take the Wheel” singer belted out Travis’s enduring hit “Three Wooden Crosses” from his 2002 album, “Rise and Shine.”

Underwood also sang “Forever and Ever, Amen,” a song from Travis’s second studio album, “Always & Forever,” which debuted in 1987.

A portion of the song’s lyrics go: “Well, just listen to how this song ends. I’m gonna love you forever and ever. Forever and ever, Amen.”

In a joint video posted by both musicians on Instagram, Underwood is seen closing out the second song by walking over to Travis and passing him the microphone. “Amen,” Travis sang, prompting the audience to erupt in cheers and rise for a standing ovation.

The touching moment comes 17 years after the “Diggin' Up Bones” singer invited Underwood to become an official member of the Opry.

Underwood made her Grand Ole Opry debut in June 2005, just two weeks after winning American Idol. Travis welcomed her into the institution On March 15, 2008, and she was formally inducted by country singer-songwriter Garth Brooks less than two months later.

“What a night at the @Opry! Randy and @CarrieUnderwood brought us all to tears by sharing this beautiful moment together,” the post’s caption reads.

“It still feels like yesterday when Randy invited Carrie to become the newest Opry member! There’s truly no better way to celebrate 100 years at the Home of Country Music.”

100 Years of the Opry

Underwood, an eight-time Grammy winner, was one of the many entertainers who performed during the Grand Ole Opry’s special three-hour event.

Broadcast live from the historic music venue, The “Opry 100: A Live Celebration” featured a star-studded lineup led by Trisha Yearwood, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Kelsea Ballerini, Marty Stuart, Post Malone, and Luke Combs, among many others.

Country singer Blake Shelton, who was inducted into the Opry in October 2010, hosted the NBC special.

“Becoming a member of the Opry is a highlight of my life and career, and 15 years later, I still get that same feeling of reverence and excitement every time I walk out on that stage,” Shelton, 48, said in a statement, per NBC.

“The Grand Ole Opry has been connecting the country music family for 100 years, and I’m so proud to be part of this historic celebration.”

Randy Travis performs at the 2013 CMA Music Festival in Nashville, Tenn., on June 7, 2013. John Davisson/Invision/AP, File Photo

The Opry doesn’t officially turn 100 until later this year. According to the venue’s website, the country music institution was originally established on Nov. 28, 1925, as the WSM Barn Dance, a country music offshoot of a local radio station.

On March 15, 1974, the Opry broadcast its last show from the Ryman Auditorium, moving its program to the newly built Grand Ole Opry House, located about 10 miles away.

Ahead of its 100-year anniversary, the Opry plans to release a children’s book about its extraordinary history. The 32-page picture book, titled “Howdy! Welcome to the Grand Ole Opry!,” will hit store shelves on Sept. 16.

“This charming story takes young readers behind the scenes of our iconic stage, showcasing the magic of the show that made country music famous,” the Opry said via Instagram on Feb. 21.

“With vibrant illustrations and photos of legendary performers from the Opry’s rich 100-year history, it’s the perfect read to inspire the next generation of country music fans.”

The book will feature a foreword by Grammy Award-winning country singer Lainey Wilson, who also performed at the concert hall’s televised centennial anniversary.

Following its “Opry 100: A Live Celebration,” the Opry took to Instagram to share a picture of all the artists who graced its stage during the momentous occasion.

“Look at those Opry stars!” the venue said.

“We’re sending our sincerest thanks to everyone for tuning in and celebrating our iconic milestone! We had over 60 Opry members in attendance—friends and, of course, all the fans in the house and across the globe!”

The special is now available to stream on Peacock.