Jimmy Buffett has canceled his upcoming Grand Ole Opry performance, scheduled for this Saturday, June 27, over COVID-19 concerns. The 73-year-old made the heartbreaking announcement on social media, sharing why he was postponing the show, which was to be his first performance on the Opry stage. Jimmy was planning on performing with Mac MacAnally and Brad Paisley.
“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,” Jimmy wrote. “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,” he added. “Can’t wait. See you then and keep your Fins Up.”
To all Opry fans, I would just like to say how disappointed I am that because of circumstances with the recent spikes…
Posted by Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefers on Thursday, June 18, 2020
The “Margaritaville” singer has not said when he might possibly feel safe enough to play the Opry. It is unclear who will be performing this Saturday in their place.
The Grand Ole Opry has been hosting shows without an audience since the middle of March, because of the coronavirus pandemic. Although they had hoped to reopen with a live audience in July, their most recent statement says that there will not be an audience in the Grand Ole Opry at least for the first two Saturdays in July.
“To align with Metro Nashville health and safety guidelines amid current COVID-19 concerns, the Grand Ole Opry has cancelled performances that include a live audience on July 4 and July 11,” the Opry announced earlier in the month.
Shows have been continuing at the Opry, with artists like Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Keith Urban, Craig Morgan, Clint Black, Darius Rucker, Steve Wariner and more taking the stage. The shows are streamed live on Circle and Gray TV stations, DISH Studio Channel 102, Sling TV and other TV affiliates, as well as a via companion live stream on Circle All Access Facebook and YouTube channels. Find more information at Opry.com.
