Ray Stevens Tribute Concert at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House Will Feature Ricky Skaggs, Ronnie Milsap, Gretchen Wilson and a Special Randy Travis Appearance
NASHVILLE, TN — Ray Stevens is getting a major Nashville salute this fall, with a star-packed tribute concert set for Nov. 9, 2026, at the Grand Ole Opry House. The event, titled Don’t Look, Ethel! A Salute to the Musical Genius of Ray Stevens, is being organized as a celebration of the entertainer’s more than six decades in music.
The lineup reads like a cross-section of country radio history, bringing together Ricky Skaggs, Ronnie Milsap, Jamey Johnson, Gretchen Wilson, Mark Chesnutt, Lee Greenwood, Collin Raye, Darryl Worley, Mark Wills and Billy Dean. Randy Travis is also expected to make a special appearance, and comedian-country artist Cledus T. Judd will host the evening.
Why Stevens still matters to country fans
The tribute is built around a career that has moved easily between comedy, songwriting and classic country craft. Stevens has long stood out as a singer, songwriter, musician and producer who could turn a novelty tune into a crowd favorite without losing musical polish.
His best-known songs show that range clearly. The Streak became one of his signature comedy hits, while Everything Is Beautiful brought him a Grammy and a different kind of enduring recognition. That mix of humor and heart has helped keep Stevens distinct from artists who stayed in only one lane.
The concert’s guest list also reflects that reach. By pairing veterans with artists from later generations, organizers are framing Stevens as a figure whose influence stretched across eras of country and popular music, not just one brief peak. It is a tribute aimed at fans who remember both the punch lines and the musicianship.
A celebration built for the Grand Ole Opry House stage
The choice of the Grand Ole Opry House gives the show a fittingly Nashville setting. The venue is one of the city’s most recognizable stages, and the tribute’s scale suggests an event designed to feel like a milestone rather than a routine industry salute.
With performers ranging from Skaggs and Milsap to Wilson and Chesnutt, the concert brings together voices tied to different corners of country music. That variety should give the night a broad sound, whether the focus lands on Stevens’ novelty material, his bigger pop crossover moments or the storytelling side of his catalog.
What fans can expect when the tribute arrives in November
For fans, the concert offers a rare chance to hear Stevens’ songs interpreted live by a cast that spans generations. The format also leaves room for surprises, especially with Travis billed for a special appearance and Judd handling hosting duties.
As of now, the announcement centers on the date, the venue and the roster of artists set to take part. The tribute is being presented as a one-night recognition of Stevens’ long run in music, and its lineup suggests a show built to honor both the laughs and the legacy.
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