Reba McEntire marked a monumental milestone on Friday, January 16, celebrating 40 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry — a night made even more special as she inducted Suzy Bogguss as the Opry’s newest member.
Before McEntire took the stage, Trisha Yearwood delivered a heartfelt introduction that set the tone for the evening.
“This year marks the 40th anniversary of Opry membership for a woman who defines what it means to be a Grand Ole Opry member,” Yearwood said, praising McEntire not only for her influence on country music, but for the kind of person she is offstage. “I’m proud to be her friend.”
Yearwood then paid tribute with a performance of “How Blue,” joined by Mica Roberts of the Opry Band, before welcoming McEntire to the stage for a powerful four-song set.
The 70-year-old legend opened with “I’m A Survivor” and “Happy’s Place,” the theme songs from the television series Reba and Happy’s Place, both of which starred McEntire.
“I’m very proud to be here tonight to help honor Suzy,” McEntire told the audience. “What a great institution the Grand Ole Opry is.”
Midway through the set, Opry host Kelly Sutton surprised McEntire with a custom scarf designed by Manuel Cuevas, created especially for Opry members in celebration of the Opry’s 100th anniversary. Sutton then read a deeply personal letter from Yearwood honoring McEntire’s four decades in the Opry family.
The letter praised McEntire not just as an icon, but as a friend — someone who shows up, follows through, and offers support when it matters most. The moment visibly moved McEntire to tears.
“Oh my gosh, that’s so special,” McEntire said. “None of this would happen without the grace of God.”
She followed with an emotional introduction to “Back To God,” speaking openly about how her faith has guided her through life’s challenges before delivering a moving performance of the song from her 2017 project Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope.
To close out the historic night, McEntire was joined onstage by fellow Opry members Suzy Bogguss, Terri Clark, Kathy Mattea, and Trisha Yearwood for a joyful, high-energy performance of “Why Haven’t I Heard From You.” The group sang and danced together as the crowd erupted into a massive sing-along, bringing the night to an unforgettable close.
Reba McEntire was officially inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on January 14, 1986, after first stepping onto its storied stage at just 22 years old in 1977. Four decades later, her influence, humility, and heart remain as central to the Opry as ever — a living testament to what country music is all about.