Vince Gill Reveals the Grand Ole Opry’s “Greatest Country Song of All Time” During Historic 100th Anniversary Celebration

The Grand Ole Opry’s 100th anniversary year has been filled with special milestones, surprise collaborations, and unforgettable performances—but on Friday, November 28, the celebration reached a powerful peak.

Country legend Vince Gill was given the honor of announcing (and performing) the Opry’s all-time greatest country song, as voted by fans earlier in 2025. And even for a 22-time Grammy winner and Opry icon, the moment came with a few nerves.

“No pressure, singing the most popular song of all time. Thanks a million,” Gill joked as he stepped onto the historic stage.

“They asked me to do it, ’cause I’ll do anything. I ain’t scared of nothing.”

But even Gill admitted this moment felt different.

The No. 1 Greatest Song in Grand Ole Opry History

The fan-voted winner was a country classic that has shaped generations:

“He Stopped Loving Her Today” — George Jones

Written by Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman, the 1980 masterpiece is widely regarded as the greatest country song ever recorded. When Jones released it, his career was struggling, weighed down by addiction and personal turmoil. The song became his comeback — a triumphant return that critics and fans instantly recognized as timeless.

Awards and Honors Include:

• Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance

• CMA Song of the Year

• ACM Song of the Year

• Induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame (2007)

• Preservation in the National Recording Registry (2008)

Its emotional power outlived even Jones himself.
Alan Jackson performed the song at Jones’ funeral in 2013 and again at the CMA Awards that same year, joined by George Strait. The title is even engraved on Jones’ gravestone in Nashville.

Vince Gill Performs the Iconic Song for the First Time

To honor the Opry’s 100-year legacy, Vince Gill didn’t just announce the winning song — he performed it live.

And amazingly, he had never sung the song publicly before.

“This is one of the most iconic records, songs, voices of all time,” Gill said, paying homage to “The Possum.”

“I’ve only sung this once live, and that was three hours ago.”

Despite his nerves, Gill delivered a smooth, reverent performance that brought the crowd to their feet. His heartfelt rendition honored both George Jones and the Opry’s century-long history of storytelling through song.

Fans in the room described it as a “once-in-a-lifetime moment” — the kind of emotional, history-soaked performance only the Opry could produce.

A 100-Year Legacy Continued

As part of its centennial celebration, the Opry also released Opry 100: Country’s Greatest Songs, a special compilation album. It includes a “Full Circle Mix” of George Jones and Alan Jackson singing “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” bringing together two eras of country greatness.

With Vince Gill’s performance, the Opry honored its past, celebrated its present, and set the tone for the next century of unforgettable music.