Jelly Roll’s Grand Ole Opry Induction

The Grammy winner is officially welcomed into the Grand Ole Opry family during a historic celebration.

Written by Amanda Tempel

Date Published: February 19, 2026

Last Updated: April 18, 2026

It’s official! Jelly Roll is a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

The multi-Grammy Award winner was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on March 10, marking another milestone in his career. Fellow Opry member and close friend Lainey Wilson officially welcomed him into the Opry family.

In a full circle moment, Sheriff Daron Hall and Davidson County Juvenile Correctional Professional Yolanda Hockett were in attendance and were thanked from the stage by Jelly for their belief and guidance since he encountered both in his time serving at the juvenile center, as well as members from the Judge Dinkins Educational Center, who Jelly currently works with to support and empower underserved youth. He also thanked his family including his Mom who was sitting in the front row, marking the first time she had seen him perform at the Opry.

Jelly Roll, wearing a cross that belonged to Johnny Cash that was given to him by Cash’s son John Carter Cash, kicked off his induction night with high-powered performances of his hits “Liar,” “Need A Favor,” “I Am Not Okay,” “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” and “Son Of A Sinner” joined by his friend ERNEST. Following an emotional video of his history with the Opry, friend and Grammy-winner Lainey Wilson walked to the circle with him to officially welcome into the family.

“There are some people in this business who are great singers, some people who are great songwriters and storytellers, and every once in a while somebody comes along who is something even bigger than that,” said Wilson. “They are a voice for people who feel like they don’t have one. And that’s exactly who Jelly Roll is. Your love for Jesus Christ radiates from you, and I'm so proud of you. Country music has always been about telling stories, the good, the bad, the messy; it's about redemption, and tonight we are welcoming a man who has never been afraid to tell the truth about his life. He turned pain into purpose, mistakes into music, and somehow managed to make millions of people feel like they are a little less alone. I’m so proud to call you my friend. Jelly Roll, because of your heart, your story, and the way you have used your voice to lift everybody else up, it is my honor to welcome you into the Grand Ole Opry family.”

An emotional Jelly Roll received his Opry member award saying, “To take a convicted felon from Music City who found country music because I’m from Nashville, and you take that kid who's been in the local juvenile and local county jail, and you bring him here and give him Grammys, awards, and platinum plaques, and then you make him a member of the most prestigious group of the Grand Ole Opry. Every word of that sounded like I’m telling you a lot about myself, but that is a story only God could be the author of. Some stories only God can write. This is truly a God story. I talk a lot more about him now because I'm getting a lot closer to him and  I recognize that. I don’t deserve this, I don’t deserve the grace God gave me, but I think that's the best part, right? And yet he gives it all the time.”

The two friends closed the show with a performance of their duet “Save Me.”

Jelly Roll’s Opry Invitation

Jelly Roll learned he would be joining the Opry in a moment no one saw coming.

During an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience - currently the No. 1 podcast in the world - host Joe Rogan surprised him with a video message from Craig Morgan inviting him to become a member of the Opry.

Jelly Roll’s Opry Moments

Jelly Roll made his Opry debut on November 9, 2021. Since then, he’s become a fan favorite and a respected presence among its members.

But his Opry history with Craig Morgan goes back even further.

Years ago - just after being released from prison - Jelly Roll sat in the Opry audience as Craig performed “Almost Home.” He’s often described that moment as life-changing.

Fast forward to years later: Morgan surprised Jelly Roll on the Opry stage, and the two performed “Almost Home” together. To commemorate the moment, Craig presented Jelly Roll with handwritten, autographed framed lyrics to the song.

Jelly Roll’s Big Wins in 2026

The induction comes on the heels of a massive Grammy night for Jelly Roll.

At the 2026 ceremony, he won every category in which he was nominated:

• Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for “Hard Fought Hallelujah” with Brandon Lake

• Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Amen” with Shaboozey

• Best Contemporary Country Album of the Year for Beautifully Broken

His sophomore album Beautifully Broken debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and features the multi-week No. 1 hit “I Am Not Okay.”

The Opry’s 100th Celebration Continues

Jelly Roll’s induction arrives during a historic season for the Grand Ole Opry.

The Opry is celebrating its 100th anniversary throughout 2026, with major events including:

• A special performance at Carnegie Hall on March 20

• “Opry 100 Honors Little Jimmy Dickens” on March 21

• Additional Opry 100 Honors shows and commemorative performances

Founded in 1925, the Grand Ole Opry remains the longest-running live broadcast show in the world and continues to be the home where country music’s past, present, and future meet on one stage.