Additional Coverage:
- Carrie Underwood and Randy Travis move country fans to tears during ‘Opry 100’ special tribute (nbcnews.com)
Country music superstar Carrie Underwood brought the house down at the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th anniversary celebration with a moving tribute to country music legend Randy Travis. Travis, a seven-time Grammy winner, has faced communication challenges since suffering a stroke in 2013.
Underwood’s performance of two of Travis’s signature hits, “Three Wooden Crosses” and “Forever and Ever, Amen,” captivated the audience. However, it was the final moments of “Forever and Ever, Amen” that truly made the performance unforgettable. Underwood walked into the audience and handed the microphone to Travis, who powerfully sang the final “Amen.”
The audience erupted in a standing ovation, many visibly moved to tears. The emotional moment quickly spread across social media, with fans sharing their reactions and expressing their admiration for both artists.
The tribute was a touching full-circle moment for Underwood and Travis. Back in 2008, it was Travis who surprised Underwood onstage with an invitation to become a member of the Opry.
During her speech at the celebration, Underwood recounted her childhood memories of listening to Travis’s music and the emotional impact he had on her life and career. She spoke of the honor of recording with Travis and the deep friendship they have formed.
Underwood described the opportunity to celebrate the Opry and Travis by performing his songs as deeply meaningful.