Jelly Roll Inducted Into the Grand Ole Opry

Lainey Wilson welcomes the singer as the newest member of the prestigious country music institution.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Jelly Roll, the 41-year-old country singer, was officially inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday, March 10. Opry member Lainey Wilson welcomed Jelly Roll into the prestigious group, praising his honesty, resilience, and ability to uplift others through his music. An emotional Jelly Roll accepted the honor, acknowledging his past struggles and expressing gratitude for the opportunity. After the induction, Jelly Roll and Lainey performed a moving duet of "Save Me." The night held additional meaning for Jelly Roll as he was surprised backstage by Johnny Cash's son, John Carter Cash, who gifted him his father's cherished cross necklace to wear during the ceremony.

Why it matters

Jelly Roll's induction into the Grand Ole Opry represents a remarkable career milestone for the singer, who has overcome a troubled past to find success in the country music industry. His story of redemption and his ability to connect with fans through his honest, relatable lyrics have made him a rising star, and his Opry membership solidifies his place as a respected and influential voice in country music.

The details

Jelly Roll, who is 41 years old, has had a banner year so far in 2026. In January, he announced his first animated role, and in February, he took home three Grammy Awards. His induction into the Grand Ole Opry, however, is perhaps his biggest achievement yet. During the ceremony, Lainey Wilson, an existing Opry member, welcomed Jelly Roll into the prestigious group, praising his honesty, resilience, and ability to uplift others through his music. An emotional Jelly Roll accepted the honor, acknowledging his past struggles and expressing gratitude for the opportunity. After the induction, Jelly Roll and Lainey performed a moving duet of "Save Me."

  • Jelly Roll was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
  • In January 2026, Jelly Roll announced his first animated role.
  • In February 2026, Jelly Roll took home three Grammy Awards.

The players

Jelly Roll

A 41-year-old country singer who has overcome a troubled past to find success in the music industry.

Lainey Wilson

An existing member of the Grand Ole Opry who welcomed Jelly Roll into the prestigious group.

John Carter Cash

The son of legendary country singer Johnny Cash, who surprised Jelly Roll backstage with his father's cherished cross necklace.

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What they’re saying

“Tonight, we are welcoming a man who has never been afraid to tell the truth about his life, and that is powerful. He turned pain into purpose, mistakes into music, and somehow managed to make millions of people feel like they were just a little less alone. And I'm so proud to know you. I'm so proud to call you my friend. Jelly Roll, because of your heart, your story, and the way that you have used your voice to lift everybody up, it is my honor to welcome you into the Grand Ole Opry Family.”

— Lainey Wilson, Opry member (countryliving.com)

“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.”

— Jelly Roll (countryliving.com)

What’s next

Jelly Roll is expected to continue his successful 2026 tour, The Little Ass Shed Tour, in the coming months.

The takeaway

Jelly Roll's induction into the Grand Ole Opry is a testament to the power of redemption and the transformative impact that music can have on one's life. His story of overcoming a troubled past to become a respected and influential voice in country music serves as an inspiration to those who may be facing their own challenges.