During the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th anniversary celebration on March 19, 2025, Vince Gill delivered a deeply emotional performance that left the audience in stunned silence.
Taking the stage at the iconic Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee, Gill performed his heartfelt song, Go Rest High on That Mountain. The song, which he dedicated to his mother—who was turning 100—and his late brother, Bob, resonated deeply with everyone in the room.
Before beginning, Gill spoke from the heart, telling the audience, “I want you to think about someone you’ve lost. This one is for my mother—she turns 100 this year. This is about her son.” His words set the stage for a performance that was as much about honoring his family as it was about sharing a universal message of love and loss.
Gill was joined on stage by fellow Opry members Ricky Skaggs and Sonya Isaacs, whose harmonies enriched the emotional weight of the tribute. Their collaboration added depth to the moment, making it even more powerful.
The performance took place during the Opry’s “In Memoriam” segment, which honored country music legends such as Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, and Jimmy Buffett. The combination of Gill’s moving delivery and the tribute visuals brought many in the audience to tears.
Go Rest High on That Mountain holds special meaning for Gill. He began writing the song after the death of his friend, Keith Whitley, in 1989 but completed it in 1993 following his brother Bob’s passing. Since then, the song has become an anthem of remembrance within the country music community.
Gill’s performance at the Grand Ole Opry 100 celebration was a testament to both his personal legacy and his enduring connection to the Opry, where he has been a member since 1991. His tribute served as a poignant reminder of how music has the power to convey love, loss, and legacy in ways words alone cannot.
