For 100 years, the Grand Ole Opry has stood as the heart and soul of country  music, showcasing the biggest legends and brightest rising stars. To celebrate its centennial, the Opry hosted a star-studded event—“Opry 100”—filled with unforgettable performances and heartfelt moments.

Among the night’s most emotional highlights was Carrie Underwood’s powerful tribute to her longtime hero and friend, Randy Travis—a moment that left the entire audience in tears.

A Full-Circle Moment 17 Years in the Making

Carrie Underwood’s connection to the Opry runs deep. After winning American Idol in 2005, she was officially invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2008—by none other than Randy Travis himself.

That unforgettable night, Randy walked out behind Carrie mid-performance to surprise her—and the audience erupted. Carrie, visibly shocked, turned around to find Travis standing there with a smile. Trying to hold back tears, she jokingly replied, “Let me think about it,” before accepting the invitation.

That emotional moment was kept a surprise by everyone around her, and Carrie has often looked back on it as one of the most meaningful honors of her life.

Relive the special moment below.

Carrie Honors the Man Who Once Welcomed Her

Seventeen years later, the roles were reversed. Wearing a stunning black dress reminiscent of the one she wore the night she was invited to the Opry, Carrie Underwood took the stage at Opry 100 to honor Randy Travis with a tribute that brought the entire crowd to its feet.

Before singing, she shared a heartfelt message about how much Randy meant to her—even as a little girl:

“When I was a kid, my sister had a cassette tape of Randy Travis’s music. From the first time I heard that traditional country voice, I was hooked—and I knew she wasn’t getting that tape back.”
“Years later, I cried the first time I met him—embarrassing! But his voice has always been part of my life, and I never dreamed we’d become friends, record songs together, or that he’d be the one to invite me into the Grand Ole Opry.”

An Unforgettable Performance

Carrie then performed “Three Wooden Crosses,” one of Travis’s most beloved songs. As she sang, the camera panned across the audience, capturing emotional reactions—including Randy’s wife, Mary Davis, wiping away tears.

She followed with the timeless hit “Forever and Ever, Amen,” and just when the audience thought the moment couldn’t get more powerful, Carrie walked into the crowd and handed the final “Amen” to Randy Travis himself.

Despite suffering a stroke years ago that impacted his ability to speak, Randy sang the final word, bringing the entire Opry house to its feet in a thunderous standing ovation.

It was more than a tribute. It was a moment of legacy, love, and the timeless power of country music.

Watch a clip of Carrie’s emotional tribute below. This is one you’ll feel in your soul.