Jelly Roll’s Grand Ole Opry Induction

Jelly Roll officially became a Grand Ole Opry member on March 10, 2026, with Lainey Wilson inducting him during a special Opry 100 performance in Nashville.

Written by Amanda Tempel

Date Published: February 19, 2026

Last Updated: September 3, 2026

Jelly Roll officially became a member of the Grand Ole Opry on March 10, 2026. Fellow Opry member and longtime friend Lainey Wilson had the honor of inducting him during a special Opry 100 show at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. The induction was another full-circle milestone in Jelly Roll’s relationship with the Opry, which began with his debut in 2021.

Jelly Roll Grand Ole Opry Induction: Quick Facts

Induction Date: March 10, 2026
Inducted By: Lainey Wilson
Location: Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee
Opry Debut: November 9, 2021
Opry Invitation: December 10, 2025
Invitation From: Craig Morgan, through a surprise video message during The Joe Rogan Experience

When Was Jelly Roll Inducted Into the Grand Ole Opry?

Jelly Roll was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Lainey Wilson officially welcomed him as an Opry member during the evening’s performance at the Grand Ole Opry House. The Opry described Jelly Roll as the fourth artist inducted during its centennial celebration.

Jelly Roll’s Grand Ole Opry Induction Ceremony

Jelly Roll’s induction night brought together several people who have played important roles in his life and career.

Opry member Craig Morgan, comedian Leanne Morgan, and ERNEST were part of the celebration. Sheriff Daron Hall and Davidson County Juvenile Correctional Professional Yolanda Hockett were also in attendance. Jelly Roll thanked Hall and Hockett from the stage for their belief in him and guidance dating back to his time in the juvenile justice system.

Members of the Judge Dinkins Educational Center, which Jelly Roll supports in its work with underserved youth, were also there. His mother sat in the front row, marking the first time she had watched her son perform at the Grand Ole Opry.

The night also included a connection to one of country music’s most legendary Opry members. Jelly Roll wore a cross that once belonged to Johnny Cash after John Carter Cash gave it to him ahead of the induction.

Following a video looking back at Jelly Roll’s history with the Opry, Wilson joined him in the famous circle to formally induct him.

During her remarks, Wilson described Jelly Roll as someone who is “a voice for people who feel like they don’t have one.” She also pointed to his willingness to share the difficult parts of his story and use his platform to help others.

An emotional Jelly Roll reflected on the path that brought him from incarceration in Nashville to becoming an Opry member.

“Some stories only God can write. This is truly a God story,” he said during his acceptance remarks.

Wilson and Jelly Roll then closed the show together with “Save Me.”

What Did Jelly Roll Perform at His Opry Induction?

Jelly Roll’s Grand Ole Opry induction performance took place on March 10, 2026, and included six songs from his career.

He performed:

• “Liar”

• “Need A Favor”

• “I Am Not Okay”

• “Hard Fought Hallelujah”

• “Son Of A Sinner” with ERNEST

• “Save Me” with Lainey Wilson

The performances led into the official induction ceremony, with “Save Me” serving as the final song of the night.

When Was Jelly Roll Invited to Join the Grand Ole Opry?

Jelly Roll received his invitation to become a Grand Ole Opry member on December 10, 2025, during an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience.

Joe Rogan surprised Jelly Roll with a video message from Opry member Craig Morgan. In the message, Morgan officially invited him to join the Grand Ole Opry family. Jelly Roll became emotional as he realized what was happening.

The choice of Morgan to deliver the invitation carried special significance because of the history between the two artists.

Jelly Roll’s History With the Grand Ole Opry

Jelly Roll made his Grand Ole Opry debut on November 9, 2021, but his connection to the Opry and Craig Morgan began before he ever performed in the circle.

After being released from prison years earlier, Jelly Roll attended an Opry show where Morgan performed “Almost Home.” Jelly Roll has described hearing the song that night as a life-changing moment.

Their paths eventually crossed again. In 2022, Morgan brought Jelly Roll onstage at the Opry to perform “Almost Home” with him. Morgan also presented Jelly Roll with handwritten, autographed, framed lyrics to the song, turning an important memory from Jelly Roll’s past into a full-circle Opry moment.

Jelly Roll continued returning to the Opry in the years that followed and became involved with its NextStage program, including mentoring emerging artists and hosting NextStage Live shows.

That journey ultimately led from his November 2021 debut to his invitation in December 2025 and his official Grand Ole Opry induction on March 10, 2026.