Grand Ole Opry celebrated Country Music Hall of Fame member Barbara Mandrell on her 50th Anniversary as a member of the Opry family with two shows. Opry member Carrie Underwood, CeCe Winans, Suzy Bogguss, Linda Davis, Jeannie Seely, Janelle Arthur, Mandy Barnett, and Connie Smith honored the music legend, who was in attendance along with her family and friends.

Said Mandrell on Instagram: “To my fans, thank you for celebrating my 50th Opry Anniversary with me last evening. Whether you were there in person or watching from home, I felt so much love from each of you and I wish you could know how you made me feel. Thank you to @carrieunderwood, @cecewinans, @lindadavisnashville, @suzybogguss, @seelyofficial, @realconniesmith, @mandybarnettmusic & @janellearthur for all of the beautiful songs you sang last night. Thank you to the @opry for celebrating me and welcoming me home. Lord knows I love the Opry! Love, Barbara ”

Mandrell released “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool” in April 1981 as the lead single from her album Barbara Mandrell Live. The song hit the No. 1 spot on July 4, 1981, helping her live album to be certified Gold by the RIAA and earning the 1981 CMA Entertainer of the Year award.  Mandrell is also a three-time ACM/CMA Entertainer and four-time ACM/CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, and was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry on July 29, 1972.  Regarding the historic Opry stage, Mandrell said, “My last show when I retired in 1997 I chose my home to do my finale performance on and it was this one.”

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