Carrie Underwood’s Heartfelt “Opry 100” Tribute to Randy Travis Moves Audience to Tears

For a century, the Grand Ole Opry has been the heart and soul of country music, showcasing the most legendary artists in the genre. To celebrate this remarkable milestone, the Opry hosted a star-studded event featuring some of the biggest names in music, including Ashley McBryde, Post Malone, Reba McEntire, Eric Church, Trace Adkins, Amy Grant, and the legendary Randy Travis.

Carrie Underwood’s Journey to the Grand Ole Opry

Among the honored performers was Carrie Underwood, a country powerhouse who has been an Opry member since March 15, 2008. Her induction into this prestigious institution was a moment to remember—Randy Travis himself surprised her with the invitation.

Three years after winning American Idol in 2005, Underwood was performing when Travis walked onto the stage behind her, shocking both her and the audience. The crowd immediately erupted in applause, recognizing the country legend’s presence. When she turned around and saw him, she was visibly overwhelmed. With a playful response of, “Let me think about it,” she accepted the honor, her eyes welling with tears as the moment sank in.

A Full-Circle Tribute to Randy Travis

Fast forward to the Opry’s 100th anniversary celebration, and Carrie Underwood found herself standing on that same stage, wearing a stunning black dress reminiscent of the one she wore on the night of her induction. But this time, she was the one paying tribute to a country music icon—her dear friend, Randy Travis.

Before beginning her performance, Underwood shared heartfelt words about how much Travis has influenced her:

“When I was a kid, my sister had a cassette tape of Randy Travis’s music. From the first time I heard him sing his traditional country voice and those songs, I was hooked, and I knew my sister was not getting that tape back. The first time I met him many years later, I cried—embarrassing! But it was so emotional for me to meet this man whose voice I’ve been singing to and along with my whole life. I could never have imagined that I’d be recording songs with him or that Randy would become my dear friend, or that he would surprise me on stage and invite me to join the Grand Ole Opry back in 2008. It means so much to me to be here tonight to celebrate the Opry and the amazing Randy Travis by singing two of my favorite songs of his.”

With the audience already moved by her words, Underwood delivered a stirring rendition of “Three Wooden Crosses.” Cameras captured the emotional reactions of the crowd, including Randy Travis’s wife, Mary Davis, who was visibly brought to tears.

She followed with a powerful performance of one of Travis’s biggest hits, “Forever and Ever, Amen.” In an unforgettable moment, as the song neared its end, Underwood walked into the audience and handed the final “Amen” to Randy Travis. “Randy Travis, everybody!” she exclaimed. Despite suffering a stroke years ago, he mustered the strength to sing that last word—an achievement that left the audience in awe.

As the performance concluded, the entire venue erupted in a standing ovation, celebrating both Underwood’s heartfelt tribute and Travis’s enduring legacy.

Carrie Underwood’s touching tribute to Randy Travis. ❤️ #StunningVocals pic.twitter.com/I6UbU3o5sp

— Hilary ~ MollyVegas ミ☆ (@MollyVegas) March 20, 2025

This breathtaking moment will forever be etched in the hearts of country music fans, proving once again that the Grand Ole Opry is more than a stage—it’s a home for the legends who have shaped country music for generations.