Carrie Underwood’s Emotional Tribute to Randy Travis Brings Grand Ole Opry to Tears/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Carrie Underwood honored Randy Travis at the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th anniversary celebration. She performed “Three Wooden Crosses” and “Forever and Ever, Amen” in tribute to the country icon. Travis sang the final “Amen,” bringing the audience to tears and receiving a standing ovation.

Carrie Underwood’s Tribute to Randy Travis at Grand Ole Opry 100 Moves Fans
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Carrie Underwood delivered an emotional tribute to country music legend Randy Travis during the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th anniversary celebration, bringing the audience to tears with a heartfelt performance honoring the man who inducted her into the Opry family 17 years ago.
During the event, titled “Opry 100: A Live Celebration,” Underwood performed Travis’ classics, “Three Wooden Crosses” and “Forever and Ever, Amen.” But it was the final moment of her performance that became truly unforgettable—when she handed the microphone to Travis to sing the last “Amen.”
The crowd at the Grand Ole Opry House erupted in cheers and a standing ovation, as Underwood embraced Travis, visibly emotional after the powerful moment.
“Randy Travis, everybody,” Underwood announced, her voice full of admiration.
A Personal Connection Between Underwood and Travis
Underwood reminisced about her childhood before beginning her performance, sharing that her sister owned a cassette tape of Travis’ music—one she “never gave back.”
The bond between the two country stars runs deep. In 2008, Travis was the one who officially inducted Underwood into the Grand Ole Opry, a moment that was highlighted in a special social media post by the Opry.
“We’ll never forget the moment Randy invited Carrie into the family,” the Opry wrote, sharing a nostalgic photo from their moment on stage 17 years ago.
Social Media Reacts to the Tearjerking Tribute
Fans quickly took to social media to express their emotions:
- “IM NOT CRYING, YOU ARE.” – One user on X (formerly Twitter) shared a clip of the performance.
- “THREE WOODEN CROSSES. I was NOT ready.” – Another fan wrote, adding crying emojis.
- “Wow. Tears everywhere as Randy Travis closes with Carrie Underwood.”
Even celebrities in attendance were visibly moved by the tribute.
A Star-Studded Celebration at the Grand Ole Opry
The “Opry 100: A Live Celebration” was a night filled with country music royalty. Hosted by Blake Shelton, the event featured performances by Reba McEntire, Post Malone, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Trace Adkins, and Kelsea Ballerini.
Shelton attended alongside his wife, Gwen Stefani, who turned heads on the red carpet.
Underwood herself looked stunning, arriving in a dramatic one-shoulder black gown with a sheer train, accessorized with statement earrings.
A Yearlong Celebration for the Opry’s 100th Anniversary
While the star-studded event was a major highlight, the official 100th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry falls in November. Celebrations will continue throughout the year, honoring the institution’s legendary past and bright future in country music.
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