JASON ALDEAN, CASEY JAMES, RICKY SKAGGS, RAY STEVENS, STEVE WARINER, AND MORE CELEBRATE OPRY’S 87TH BIRTHDAY

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (October 8, 2012) – The Grand Ole Opry® presented by Humana® celebrated its 87th birthday last weekend with star-packed shows, backstage tours, and more. Jason Aldean, Rodney Atkins, Jimmy Dickens, Casey James, Ray Stevens, Steve Wariner, and others performed and shared the stage with a larger-than-life Opry 87th birthday cake. James also performed a special Opry Plaza Birthday Party show. The Opry will continue to celebrate throughout the month of October with a schedule full of star-packed special shows and events. On Tues., Oct. 16, Darius Rucker will be inducted as the newest member of the Opry, and a portion of the show will air live on “Noteworthy at the Opry” on GAC at 8 p.m. Central. Among those appearing that night are Clint Black, Vince Gill, Martina McBride, and Rucker. On Tues., Oct. 23 the Opry will mark the life and legacy of one of its most iconic members, Minnie Pearl, who was born 100 years ago this month. The show will celebrate the performer’s humor and Opry career with performances and remembrances by Amy Grant; Opry members Dickens, Gill, Mel Tillis, and Pam Tillis; comedians T. Bubba Bechtol and Henry Cho; and more. The Opry’s signature barn turns pink on Tues., Oct. 30 as the Opry joins Women Rock For The Cure™ in the fight against breast cancer with its fourth annual “Opry Goes Pink” show. Kellie Pickler, who recently shaved her own head to show solidarity to a childhood friend facing cancer, will flip the switch on the Opry’s signature barn backdrop, turning it pink for the night. The special show will also include performances by Sarah Darling, The Farm, The Isaacs, Kristen Kelly, Mindy Smith, and others as well as activities recognizing breast cancer survivors and the continuing fight against the disease. Five dollars from every ticket sold for the show will be donated to Women Rock For The Cure™. Opry Country Classics continues on Thursdays throughout the month with appearances by Spotlight Artists Lorrie Morgan, Marty Stuart, Pam Tillis, and The Time Jumpers. Among others scheduled for October Opry performances are Roy Clark, Charlie Daniels Band, and Alison Krauss.