The Grand Ole Opry’s 100th anniversary was filled with unforgettable moments. Carrie Underwood’s heartfelt tribute to Randy Travis brought the audience to tears, while a star-studded chorus closed the televised show with a moving performance of “I Will Always Love You” in honor of Dolly Parton. And after the cameras stopped rolling, an off-air rendition of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” capped the night with pure country tradition.

But as fans relished the magic of the event, one question kept surfacing:

Where were George Strait and Willie Nelson?

No tribute. No performance. Not even a brief appearance. For two of country music’s most iconic figures to be absent from such a milestone event raised some eyebrows.

Why Weren’t They There?

Let’s set the record straight—there was no feud, no snub, and no behind-the-scenes drama. The simple reason? Neither George Strait nor Willie Nelson is a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Surprising? Maybe. But that’s the reality. Since they don’t hold Opry membership, they weren’t included in the celebration.

Willie Nelson’s Road Back to Texas

Willie Nelson was once an Opry member—but only for a short time. According to American Songwriter, he joined in 1965 after making his debut in 1964, but by 1972, he had moved on.

Willie left Nashville and returned to Texas, officially giving up his Opry membership. At the time, members were required to perform live in Nashville at least 26 times a year, a commitment that didn’t align with his schedule or lifestyle.

“You can’t play in Texas on Friday and get back to the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night. It just don’t work out that way,” he once explained.

Beyond logistics, Willie was also growing frustrated with Nashville’s control over his music. After facing personal hardships—his home burning down and his marriage ending—he saw it as a sign to start over. That fresh start in Austin helped ignite the Outlaw movement, allowing him to carve his own path in country music.