A Century of Song, A Moment of Tears: Vince Gill’s Unforgettable Tribute at Opry 100

Nashville, TN — On March 19, 2025, the Grand Ole Opry, the undisputed heart of country music, did something spectacular: it celebrated its 100th birthday. The milestone event, Opry 100, was a dazzling, star-studded family reunion, bringing together generations of country royalty on the stage of the Opry House. Hosted by Blake Shelton, the night was filled with performances from legends like Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, and Alan Jackson, alongside modern standard-bearers like Carrie Underwood and Trace Adkins. Tributes even poured in from the Opry’s original home, the Ryman Auditorium, with artists like Luke Combs and Lainey Wilson paying homage.

It was a night of joyous celebration and incredible music. Yet, amidst the thunderous applause and jubilant performances, the most powerful and enduring moment of the evening was one of quiet, profound reflection, led by one of the Opry’s most beloved sons, Vince Gill.

Vince Gill and the Song Born from Heartbreak

For over three decades as a Grand Ole Opry member, Vince Gill has become more than just a performer; he is a keeper of the flame, a musical conscience for the institution. His heartfelt lyrics and soul-stirring musicianship have made him a cornerstone of the Opry family. So, when the time came for the show’s “In Memoriam” segment, there was no one more fitting to lead the tribute.

The song he chose, “Go Rest High On That Mountain,” is one of the most sacred in the country music canon, born from Gill’s own deep personal losses. He began writing it after the sudden death of fellow artist Keith Whitley in 1989 and only found the strength to finish it after his own brother, Bob, passed away in 1993. The song is not just music; it is a vessel for grief, healing, and faith.

A Performance That United Generations in Remembrance

As Gill took center stage, joined by his dear friend and fellow legend Ricky Skaggs (who sang on the original recording) and the angelic voice of Sonya Isaacs, a reverent hush fell over the Opry House. Before he began, Vince made a deeply personal dedication that layered even more meaning onto the moment. He dedicated the song to his mother, who shares her 100th birthday with the Opry this year.

“This song is about her son,” he said, his voice soft but heavy with emotion, poignantly connecting his family’s story to the one he was about to tell.

As the familiar, gentle notes began, a touching slideshow appeared on the screen behind them, honoring the titans of country music who have passed on. The faces of Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, Troy Gentry, Jimmy Buffett, Joe Diffie, and so many others flickered across the screen. With each image, a ripple of emotion went through the crowd. Tears streamed down faces as artists and fans alike were confronted with the loving memory of the heroes and friends they had lost.

It was a performance that stopped time. Gill’s voice, raw with feeling, guided the entire room through a shared moment of mourning and love. When the final notes faded, there was a pause—a sacred silence that spoke volumes more than applause ever could. Then, as one, the entire Opry House rose to its feet in a standing ovation that was as much for the legends on the screen as it was for the man on stage bearing his soul.

In that moment, Vince Gill didn’t just sing a song; he captured the very soul of country music. He reminded everyone why the Grand Ole Opry has endured for a century: it’s more than a stage; it’s a home, a church, and a place where joy and sorrow can be shared as one. And for 100 years, its heart has never stopped beating.