The Opry's Favorite Friendship: Roy & Minnie
By Lane Vaughn
On October 18, the Opry will celebrate one of its most legendary duos: Roy Acuff and Minnie Pearl. Taking the stage in tribute are Opry members Bill Anderson, Gary Mule Deer, Vince Gill, Patty Loveless, Steve Wariner, and comedian Chonda Pierce—a lineup that perfectly captures the spirit of music and laughter these two icons brought to the Opry.
Roy, “The King of Country Music,” joined the Opry in 1938 and helped shift the show from primarily instrumental music to feature vocal performance. Minnie, with her signature “How-DEE” greeting and straw hat, offered witty yet gentle satire of small-town Southern life.
Their genuine offstage bond created an easy onstage chemistry, and their devotion to the Opry made them some of its greatest ambassadors. In fact, their love of the Opry is so enduring that they’ve been immortalized in countless ways in and around the Opry House. Next time you pay us a visit, keep an eye out for these special memorials, and join us in person on October 18th for back-to-back Opry 100 Honors shows at 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Prestened by Humana. Sponsored by Dan Post.
#1: THE ROY ACUFF HOUSE
Part ambassador, part master-of-ceremonies, Roy Acuff was a constant presence at the Opry for 50 years. When his wife Mildred passed in 1981, the Opry gave Roy a home on the grounds, just steps from his other home—the Opry stage. Visitors could often spot him greeting guests from the front stoop, and he lived there until he passed away in 1992.
Today, the Acuff House is home to WSM Radio, the Opry’s broadcast home since 1925. Visitors on the Opry plaza can watch live broadcasts through the large viewing window and can check learn the history of WSM in the “Behind the Airwaves” exhibit, that showcases historic artifacts like Fiddlin’ Sid Harkreader’s fiddle and DeFord Bailey’s harmonica.
#2: SARAH CANNON'S FOUNTAIN
Outside the backstage Artist Entrance, a serene fountain honors Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon—otherwise known as Minnie Pearl. A gift from her husband, Henry Cannon, on their 25th wedding anniversary, the fountain lived in their backyard for many years before finding its home at the Opry. Today, it welcomes the evening’s artists as they arrive and check in for the show.
#3: "Mr. Roy" Dressing Room
On a backstage tour, you’ll notice every Opry dressing room has its own unique theme. Closest to the stage is “Mr. Roy,” a dressing room dedicated to Roy Acuff. Honoring Roy’s famous “open-door policy,” this door to this room is never shut to visitors—a tradition upheld by stars like Vince Gill, who uses this room every time he plays the Opry. He’ll be joining the lineup honoring Roy and Minnie on October 18, carrying on Roy’s welcoming spirit both onstage and off.
#4: "COUSIN MINNIE" DRESSING ROOM
Dressing room #16 is a lively tribute to Cousin Minnie Pearl. Colorful, festive, and unmistakably her, the room even features her iconic price tag hanging off the light overhead—a small touch that captures her big personality.
#5: PHOTOS, MURALS, AND ARTIFACTS
A backstage tour of the Opry reveals touches of Minnie and Roy’s presence everywhere: photos in the family room, murals in rehearsal spaces, and even a pair of Minnie’s shoes on display.
BONUS: "OH ROY" STATUE AT THE RYMAN
Before the move to the Opry House in 1974, the Grand Ole Opry called Ryman Auditorium home. Roy and Minnie performed there countless times, and today visitors can see their bronze likenesses in the Ryman lobby, sitting on a Ryman pew. They greet guests with a smile while clips of their famous performances play in the background—a perfect reminder of their enduring joy and friendship.
Celebrate the magic of Roy Acuff and Minnie Pearl in person! Join us on October 18 for Opry 100 Honors at 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., and experience the music, laughter, and friendship that made them legends.
Before the show, take a backstage Opry tour to see their dressing rooms, artifacts, and other special tributes up close—and feel the heart of the Opry’s favorite friendship all around you.
Stay In Touch
It's our biggest year yet! Don't miss any Opry 100 announcements, events, and exclusive offers for fans like you. Sign up now!