Jelly Roll to Be Inducted Into Grand Ole Opry by Lainey Wilson

Jelly Roll’s Opry induction validates the fans who fueled his rise. The hitmaker will be honored on March 10.

by Tiffany Goldstein - Feb 23 2026
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Jelly Roll will be formally inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on March 10, in a moment that feels both personal and historic. Lainey Wilson, friend, frequent collaborator, and fellow Opry member who rose through the industry alongside him,  will do the honors.
 
The ceremony will also feature performances from his mentor Craig Morgan, comedian Leanne Morgan, singer-songwriter Ernest, and other friends who have been part of his journey.
 
For Jelly Roll, the Opry stage has been more than a venue, it’s been a touchstone. The hitmaker has spoken about a "life-changing" moment years ago when, newly released from prison, he sat in the Opry audience and watched Morgan perform "Almost Home." That very memory helped steer him toward the artist he is today.
 
Morgan later invited him to join the Opry via a video message while Jelly Roll was on The Joe Rogan Experience. The chart-topping artist made his Opry debut on November 9, 2021 – a first step toward this official membership.
 
 
The induction comes on the heels of a big awards run, as Jelly Roll swept the 2026 Grammys. He took home Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for "Hard Fought Hallelujah” with Brandon Lake, Best Country Duo/Group Performance for "Amen" with Shaboozey, and Best Contemporary Country Album for Beautifully Broken.
 
Those wins underscore his crossover appeal and the way he’s blurred lines between country, rock, rap, and Christian music, while keeping a core of emotional honesty and storytelling.
 
What this induction means to the country music industry goes beyond one artist’s achievement. Jelly Roll’s rise reflects a widening definition of what country can be – grittier voices, diverse influences, and songs that speak directly to listeners who haven’t always seen themselves reflected in Nashville. His success, amplified by mainstream recognition and Grammy wins, signals to the industry that audiences are hungry for authenticity over formula.
 
 
To the Bad Apples, Jelly Roll is more than a performer. He's someone who speaks to struggle, redemption, and resilience. That raw vulnerability has forged a fiercely loyal following that feels personally invested in his wins and milestones. His concerts, social-media presence, and collaborations create a sense of community that turns casual listeners into lifelong supporters. That grassroots devotion has helped push his music into wider cultural conversations.
 
The Grand Ole Opry will continue celebrating its 100th year through 2026 with special events, including a Carnegie Hall performance on March 20 and Opry 100 Honors shows such as “Opry 100 Honors Little Jimmy Dickens” on March 21. Jelly Roll’s induction is another chapter in a year that’s both commemorative and forward-looking for the Opry.
 
Photo Credit: John Shearer/Getty Images.
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