Brenda Lee Makes Surprise Appearance at Opry Country Christmas
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Grand Ole Opry® celebrated the membership anniversaries of Randy Travis and The Gatlin Brothers during this weekend’s shows and fans were treated to a surprise appearance by Country Music Hall of Fame member Brenda Lee during the final 2021 Opry Country Christmas last night.
Randy Travis celebrated his 35th Opry anniversary with a surprise from Warner Music Nashville with awards commemorating RIAA Gold, Platinum and Multi-Platinum certifications of more than 21 million combined copies his of Warner Music Nashville catalog and more than 1.6 Billion global streams. To honor Travis’ recognitions, Country Music Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame member Don Schlitz performed “Forever and Ever, Amen,” the Grammy-winning song he wrote for Travis in 1988, as well as the Schlitz-penned “Heroes and Friends,” a 1990 Travis hit. Jon Pardi added to the Travis salute which aired on Circle Television, WSM Radio, and SiriusXM Willie’s Roadhouse with the Travis hit “1982.”
The Gatlin Brothers celebrated 45 years of Opry membership on Sunday, concluding this year’s Opry Country Christmas run. The Gatlins officially joined the Opry on Christmas Day 1976.
Also during the final Opry Country Christmas of 2021, Country Music Hall of Fame member Brenda Lee made a surprise appearance during Opry member Mandy Barnett’s performance of Lee’s holiday classic “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree.” Barnett then surprised Lee with an impromptu “Happy Birthday” sing-along in honor of Lee’s Saturday birthday.
Tickets for 2022 Opry performances January 1 – June 11 and the 97th Opry Birthday Bash shows taking place October 7 and 8, 2022 are on sale now. Go to opry.com/2022shows to learn more or call 1-800-SEE-OPRY.