Fresh off of the released of his No. 1 country album, Life on the Flip Side, Jimmy Buffett was expected to make his Grand Ole Opry debut on June 27 alongside Brad Paisley and Mac McAnally, who is a longtime member of Jimmy’s backing band, The Coral Reef Band.
However, Jimmy canceled the appearance due to the “recent spikes in COVID-19.” Jimmy shared the news on June 18 via a statement on Facebook, which you can read below.
“To all Opry fans, I would just like to say how disappointed I am that because of circumstances with the recent spikes in COVID-19, I have had to postpone my trip to Nashville to play with Mac and Brad Paisley. I have loved the Grand Ole Opry since the days I covered shows at the Ryman as a Billboard reporter on Music Row in the early 70s before I moved to Margaritaville. As soon as it is safe for me to travel back to Music City and meet up with Mac and Brad, I will come play for you. Can’t wait. See you then and keep your Fins Up. JB”
Brad Paisley is still slated to appear on the Opry on June 27, according to Opry.com, while Mac McAnally has been removed from the lineup.
The Grand Ole Opry has aired without an audience present since March 19 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a number of stars have helped keep the Opry’s Saturday night shows rolling along, including Kelsea Ballerini, Garth Brooks, Luke Combs, Vince Gill, Dustin Lynch, Craig Morgan, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Ricky Skaggs, Keith Urban, Trisha Yearwood and more.
The Opry has aired every Saturday for more than 90 years.
photo by E.M., AFF-USA.com