Dolly has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry many many times, the first being when she was just thirteen in 1959 when she was introduced by Johnny Cash. She became a member in 1969 Although not regular performer now, she still appears on the show every two or three years. Below are the appearances which I've been able to confirm dates and songs performed.
June 4th 1974 - Appeared with Porter
Late October 1974 - Final appearance with Porter. She had already left Porter a few months previously, but joined him onstage for a duet, which would be the last until their reunion in 1988.
Dolly on the Grand Ole Opry in 1976
October 1985 - On this 60th Anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry, Willie Nelson led the way in paying special tribute to Dolly, looking back at her amazing career. Contributions came from Porter, Chet Atkins, Kenny and even her mother.
Song performed:
Coat of Many Colors
Feb 20th 1988 - This appearance was filmed for inclusion in Dolly's weekly TV series and reunited her with Porter Wagoner, who she peformed with for the first time since 1974. It celebrated Roy Acuff’s 50th anniversary as a Opry member. Porter Wagoner hosted two segments that evening and Dolly was his guest on both shows.
Songs performed:
Down on Music Row
Last Thing On My Mind (with Porter)
I Saw The Light (with cast)
I Will Always Love You
26th August 1995 - This appearance was her first since 1988 and was used to promote her Something Special album.
Songs performed:
Something Special
Jolene
I Will Always Love You
October 1995 - Celebrating the 70th Anniversary on the Grand Ole Opry, the show was broadcast the following year on the CBS network.
Songs performed:
Wabash Cannonball (with cast)
You Gotta Be My Baby (with George Jones)
Will the Circle Be Unbroken (with cast)
Summer 1997 - This special show marked the 40th anniversary of Porter's membership into the Grand Ole Opry. It was broadcast on CBS as Company's Comin': A Tribute To Porter Wagoner on 2nd August 1997.
Songs performed:
Last Thing On My Mind (with Porter)
In the Shade Of the Family Tree (with cast)
I Will Always Love You
14th October 2000– Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Grand Ole Orpy.
Songs performed:
Train, Train
Coat of Many Colors (with Alison Krauss)
25th October 2000 – A special concert recorded for broadcast on CBS, again celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry, was hosted co-hosted by Dolly and Vince Gill.
Songs performed:
Roy Acuff Medley – Wabash Cannonball/Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain/Night Train To Memphis/I Saw The Light
Hey Good Lookin’ (duet with Vince Gill)
Coat of Many Colors
Will The Circle Be Unbroken (with cast)
20 July 2002– Her appearance on this date coincided with her Halos and Horns concert tour. Dolly was honoured with a Opry Member Award for her services to the Grand Ole Opry and Country music.
Songs performed:
Halos and Horns
Coat of Many Colors
Dagger Through The Heart
23 April 2005 – Dolly hosted part two of the first show and performed on both shows. Read a more in-depth review here
Songs performed:
Viva Las Vegas (with The Grascals) – early and late show
Coat of Many Colors - early and late show
Rocky Top (with the Grascals) - early and late show
Last Thing On My Mind (with Porter Wagoner) - late show only
Dolly on the Grand Ole Opry in April 2005
19 May 2007– Dolly made an appearance to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Porter Wagoner’s membership in The Grand Ole Opry. The songs listed below were sung at both the early and late shows. This was the last time Dolly sang with Porter and by all accounts, it was a very emotional evening. Read a more in-depth review here from Dollymania.
Songs performed:
Jolene
Coat of Many Colors
Just Someone I Used To Know (with Patty Loveless and Porter)
I Will Always Love You
Dolly on the Grand Ole Opry in May 2007
9th October 2010– Dolly joined in the celebrations for the 85th Anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry, performing in both shows of the evening.
Songs performed:
Jolene
I Will Always Love You
Coat of Many Colors
