From autographs to photographs, and from behind the scenes to front of stage, we look back at the Grand Ole Opry through the lens of its most ardent fans. Garth Brooks gets a friendly squeeze. Paul McCartney only has eyes for Dolly. Charley Pride touches hearts and hands. And a group of nuns gather at the altar of country music.

This exhibit celebrates 100 years of the Grand Ole Opry and is presented in collaboration with Southern Cultures and its special issue, Country Music’s Mythology (vol. 31, no. 4: Winter 2025), guest edited by Amanda Marie Martínez.

Exhibition

12:00–4:00 PM, Tuesday–Thursday (on view through May 2026)
Center for the Study of the American South
410 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC

Reception

April 9, 5:30–7:00 PM
Center for the Study of the American South
410 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC

Presented by Southern Cultures, the Grand Ole Opry, and the Center for the Study of the American South.

Header image: Paul McCartney (left center rear) and family in crowd listening to Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton perform at Opryland, Nashville, Tennessee, June 16, 1974. Photo by Les Leverett, courtesy of the Grand Ole Opry archives.