Jelly Roll to Be Inducted Into Grand Ole Opry by Lainey Wilson

On March 10, country artist Jelly Roll will achieve a defining honor: formal induction into the Grand Ole Opry. The ceremony will see him welcomed by frequent collaborator and fellow Opry member Lainey Wilson, with performances from a roster of peers including Opry mainstay Craig Morgan, comedian Leanne Morgan, and singer-songwriter Ernest.

The invitation was delivered in a memorable surprise. While a guest on "The Joe Rogan Experience" podcast, Jelly Roll—born Jason DeFord—was presented with a video message from Craig Morgan offering the official membership. This moment caps a journey that began with his Opry debut in late 2021 and is deeply rooted in personal history. Following a prison release years ago, DeFord attended an Opry show where Morgan performed "Almost Home," an experience he has described as life-changing. His induction thus represents a powerful full-circle narrative for the artist, underscoring the Opry's role in celebrating diverse personal journeys within country music. Founded in 1925 as a weekly radio broadcast, the Grand Ole Opry is widely regarded as the genre's most hallowed stage, with membership signifying the highest form of peer acceptance.

This Opry milestone arrives on the heels of an extraordinary awards season for the singer. At the 2026 Grammy Awards, Jelly Roll secured a clean sweep, winning every category for which he was nominated. His accolades included Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for "Hard Fought Hallelujah" (with Brandon Lake), Best Country Duo/Group Performance for "Amen" (with Shaboozey), and Best Contemporary Country Album for "Beautifully Broken." These victories highlight his significant crossover resonance and artistic evolution from earlier roots in hip-hop and rock to mainstream country success. As music historian Dr. Elena Martinez noted, "His Grammy sweep reflects a broader shift where genre boundaries are softening, allowing for more authentic, hybrid narratives to be embraced by institutions like the Opry, which has historically balanced tradition with evolution."

The induction is a highlight of the Opry's expansive 100th-anniversary celebration throughout 2026. The centennial programming includes landmark events such as a historic performance at New York's Carnegie Hall on March 20, followed by special tribute shows like "Opry 100 Honors Little Jimmy Dickens." These events are designed to honor the institution's legacy while reaching new audiences. The tribute to Little Jimmy Dickens, for example, celebrates a member whose over 50-year tenure and playful hits like "May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose" embody the Opry's enduring charm and storied past.

Full details on the Opry 100 schedule, ticket availability, and all centennial events are available at opry.com. For real-time updates, fans can follow the Opry's official social media channels on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.