The Grand Ole Opry holds a significant importance in the world of country music. For artists, receiving an invitation to perform at this prestigious venue or becoming an official member is considered a major milestone in their career.
However, not all country stars have a completely positive and harmonious relationship with the Opry throughout their entire career. Throughout the years, there have been instances where various performers were requested to leave the stage due to different reasons. These reasons could include breaking the venue's unwritten rules regarding behavior or not meeting the official membership expectations.
At Nashville's Ryman Auditorium, there was a tribute show called Opry Goes Dolly to celebrate Dolly Parton's 78th birthday in 2024. However, during the show, performer Elle King caused controversy. She appeared on stage visibly intoxicated and openly admitted that she was heavily drunk. She engaged in a somewhat confrontational exchange with some members of the audience and even forgot the lyrics to Dolly Parton's song "Marry Me."
The place where the incident occurred expressed regret to the individuals who were upset by King's choice of words. However, numerous fans of the Opry expressed on social media that they believed King should be the one to issue an apology and some even went as far as suggesting that her actions were severe enough to warrant her being banned from performing on the Grand Ole Opry stage.
Throughout the years, there have been multiple cases where artists were banned from the Opry. However, the question arises whether King's actions truly justify such a drastic measure. By examining a few instances from the venue's earlier years, specifically from 1973 or before, it becomes evident that the ban could indeed be warranted.
Following an eventful performance in 1973, Johnny Cash faced a ban from the Opry due to his destructive behavior of smashing stage lights with a microphone stand, which was amplified by his consumption of alcohol. Hank Williams, a renowned artist, was also removed from the Opry's membership due to his consistent drunkenness and lack of dependability. Jerry Lee Lewis, known for his various transgressions, was expelled from the Opry stage for, among other things, uttering an expletive live on air.
However, it is important to note that there is only one instance where a singer was banned from the Opry indefinitely and permanently, and it was not the decision of the venue to impose this ban. Therefore, it is probable that even if King's actions justify a temporary absence from the Opry stage, it is unlikely to have a lasting impact on her ability to perform at the Grand Ole Opry.
Continue reading to explore the celebrities who have been forbidden from performing on the Opry stage, along with the actions or conduct that led to their expulsion!
6 Celebrities Excluded from the Grand Ole Opry (and the Reasons for Their Exclusion)
Image Credit: Carena Liptak
26 Country Stars Who Are Surprisingly Not Members of the Grand Ole Opry
Photo Credit: Billy Dukes
Additional content available from Taste of Country. Details and updates can be found on our