NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Grand Ole Opry will have a string of events in October to celebrate country music legend Dolly Parton's 50 years of membership.
Dolly Week starts Oct. 10 and will include two sold-out shows with Parton herself. The "week" is actually three nights of performances.
“It was always my dream to be on the Opry,” Parton
[ said in a statement last November ]
. “I actually got to sing on the Grand Ole Opry when I was about 10 years old. I officially became a member back in 1969 and I cannot believe next year I will celebrate 50 proud years of being a member of the Grand Ole Opry! They call it the ‘Mother Church’ because the old Ryman was a church, but it’s sacred to me, wherever it goes – the church of my heart. For me, the Opry is like the song ‘New York, New York’ – if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere. I am excited to be coming back home to celebrate 50 years of membership!”
Parton
at age 13, performing with her uncle, Bill Owens.
Events for the celebration, according to the Opry, are below:
- Oct. 10: Opry Country Classics featuring performances of No. 1 Dolly hits.
- Oct. 11: Friday Night Opry: Dolly's Mountain Soul: Bluegrass, Americana & Roots Music honor Dolly.
- Oct. 12: Dolly Parton's 50th Grand Ole Opry Anniversary Celebration, featuring Dolly Parton and others.
Artists for the week will be announced at a later date.