Which country singers did Reba McEntire honor at ‘Opry 100’? Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, and more explored

The Ole Opry turned 100 years old on March 19, 2025. The event was titled 'Opry 100: A Live Celebration' and was hosted by Blake Shelton at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. One of the standout performances of the day was the tribute paid by Reba McEntire to Loretta Lynn and Patsy Clint.

Her performance was a personal gesture and tribute to legends who were honored for having broken the doors wide open for all the generations of women country music singers that had come after them.

Reba McEntire's tribute to Country legends

A sparkling performance

Reba McEntire paid respect to the memory of Loretta Lynn and Patsy Cline with Patsy Cline's Sweet Dreams and a spine-tingling cover of Loretta Lynn's You Ain't Woman Enough.

The tribute was a testament to McEntire's vast respect for both performers. With her robust signature voice and moving interpretation, McEntire's performance rivaled both live and viewers at home.

Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn's influence on McEntire

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In her professional life, Reba McEntire has given credit to Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn as influences. Cline's rich, emotive voice and Lynn's assertive, narrative songwriting have both been major influences in directing the course of McEntire toward country music.

According to USA Today, at the event, McEntire said,

“It’s an honor to be here celebrating 100 years of the Grand Ole Opry,” she said. “So many trailblazers paved the way for me to have the privilege of standing on this stage tonight, like two of my heroes, the great Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn.”

McEntire has performed a varied list of songs from both of them throughout her career and has spoken about how they broke the door for women country singers. Her show at 'Opry 100' was in celebration of their achievement and contribution to country music.

Star-studded shows at 'Opry 100'

Saluting Country Music Legends

The special featured several homages to country music icons, paying tribute to the rich legacy of the Grand Ole Opry and its impact on several generations of musicians.

Highlights of the performances were:

Kelsea Ballerini sang I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool in a tribute to Barbara Mandrell. Keith Urban sang Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue in tribute to Crystal Gayle.

Carrie Underwood sang a poignant tribute to Randy Travis by performing his songs Forever and Ever, Amen, and Three Wooden Crosses. Eric Church sang a touching tribute to Route 91 Harvest Music Festival victims with his song Why Not Me.

With every performance, a fresh aspect of country music's depth was revealed as tribute was made to the labor of past heroes and the music further evolved.

The lineup of different artists

The ceremony was not exclusive to the traditional country artists. Aloe Blacc, Post Malone, and guest appearances by Amy Grant are a reflection of the Grand Ole Opry's growth into many genres of music. Their performance at the ceremony proved that country music continues to extend beyond its former limits, drawing in a more diverse audience.

Other performances throughout the evening were some of the world's finest country artists today, including Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Luke Combs, and Lainey Wilson.

A night to remember

The 'Opry 100' show was a milestone production with country legends and new performers on stage to mark the 100th birthday of the Grand Ole Opry.

Reba McEntire's anniversary show celebrating Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn's legacy was the crowning moment, honoring their legacy and calling out generations of artists to emulate.

Apart from the performances, there were occasional special moments where artists said a few words on a personal memory from their tenure at the Opry, adding a pinch of nostalgia and pathos to the proceedings. Such comments bring one back to the Opry's impact not only on careers but even on country music's very existence.

Also read: Why is The Voice season 26 coach Reba McEntire leaving the NBC show?