The Grand Ole Opry will continue with special programs in January 2023 at the Ryman Auditorium. This includes tributes and other fun for Opry member Dolly Parton on Saturday, January 21st to celebrate her 77th birthday (January 19th). Farmer himself will not be present at the event.
Scheduled performers for these shows include Chapel Hart, The Fairfield Four, Kaitlyn Smith, Marty Stewart and Chris Young. Additionally, $5 from all tickets sold for both January 21st shows will be donated to the Opry Trust Fund in Parton’s honor. For over 50 years, the foundation has helped members of the country music community in need.
Tickets are available at https://www.opry.com/full-calendar.
“We love to party at the Opry and everyone in the world loves Dolly!” said Dan Rogers, Executive Producer of Opry. “Dory herself can’t be with us this year due to her feature film schedule, but I think we can all agree that Dolly deserves to be celebrated this year and every year. We are amazing.” We are planning to add some fun dollies to our schedule – a number of shows scheduled for January in downtown Ryman.”
In addition to the live performance, the Opry announced other festive measures during Parton’s birthday week, including:
- 77 Hours of Dolly Giveaway on Opry Social Media
- Birthday cupcakes baked using Duncan Hines Dolly Parton’s favorite Southern style cake mix for Opry House and Ryman Tour guests on Dolly’s birthday on January 19 (while supplies last)
- Ryman Larger-than-life 77th birthday card autographed by fans January 19-21
- Dolly impersonator in Ryman Plaza for a photo opportunity during the Jan. 21 Opry at the Ryman show
- Signature Dolly drink at all Ryman bars during the ‘Opry at the Ryman’ show on January 21st
Parton made her Opry debut in 1959 at the age of 13, singing songs such as George Jones’ 1956 hit “You Gotta Be My Baby.” She was introduced to Johnny Cash and after playing on guitar with her uncle Bill Owens, she received three standing ovations.
Of this event, she recalls: I smiled at the people on the balcony and then made her open her mouth. ”
Ten years later, on January 4, 1969, Parton was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.
Regarding this event, she once said: My Heart. To me, the Opry is like the song “New York, New York.”
For more information on the Grand Ole Opry, please visit https://www.opry.com.
