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Grand Ole Opry<\/a> legend Stu Phillips has died. The trailblazing Canadian country artist and longtime Opry member was 92 years old.<\/p>\n Heart of Texas Records\u2019 Tracy Pitcox shared the news<\/a> on Christmas Day, writing, \u201cThe eldest member of the Grand Ole Opry, Stu Phillips, passed away today at the age of 92.\u201d<\/p>\n The Opry later confirmed his passing, posting a tribute image<\/a> of Phillips performing on its historic stage and adding, \u201cThank you, Stu Phillips \u2014 who was our oldest living Opry member \u2014 for your music, friendship, and 58 years as part of the Opry family.\u201d<\/p>\n Phillips joined the Grand Ole Opry<\/a> on June 1, 1967, marking more than 58 years as part of the institution. Born January 19, 1933, near Montreal in Saint-Eustache, Quebec, he became the most senior Opry member at the time of his death.<\/p>\n His career began in his teens, when he performed on radio shows in Montreal before traveling to fairs and rodeos across Western Canada. By the late 1950s, he was hosting popular programs for the CBC, including The Outrider<\/em> and Red River Jamboree<\/em>.<\/p>\n In the 1960s, Phillips found success as both a recording artist and songwriter<\/a>. His No. 1 Canadian hit \u201cKathy Keep Playing\u201d led him to RCA Records and a move to Nashville, where he scored several American chart hits \u2014 including \u201cVin Ros\u00e9,\u201d \u201cBracero,\u201d and his Top 20 single \u201cJuanita Jones.\u201d<\/p>\n Phillips\u2019 early albums \u2014 including Echoes of the Canadian Foothills<\/em> and A Visit to British Columbia<\/em> \u2014 blended folklore with heartfelt country storytelling<\/a>. His smooth baritone and love for narrative helped bridge Canadian and Nashville traditions at a time when few artists made that leap.<\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>See Inside Jeannie Seely\u2019s All-Star Memorial at the Grand Ole Opry [Pictures]<\/a><\/p>\n Beyond the Opry, Phillips hosted the syndicated TV variety series Music Place<\/em> in the 1970s and toured extensively \u2014 from Vietnam with the USO to stages across Europe, Africa, and Asia.<\/p>\n He became an American citizen in 1998, though he remained a beloved member of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame<\/a>.<\/p>\n Later in life, Phillips became an ordained Episcopalian minister and owned Long Hollow Winery<\/a> in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, for many years. His son, Joel, and daughter-in-law, Benita, now operate the family business.<\/p>\n Former bandmate Roger Ball remembered Phillips fondly, writing on Facebook<\/a>: \u201cI am very saddened to learn Stu Phillips passed away today. He was a great singer and a very kind gentleman\u2026 Stu was my first Grand Ole Opry gig. Rest in peace, my friend.\u201d<\/p>\n From his early days on Canadian radio to decades on the Opry stage<\/a>, Stu Phillips embodied grace, faith, and the quiet steadiness that defined a generation of country performers.<\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>31 Country Stars You Won\u2019t Believe Aren\u2019t Grand Ole Opry Members<\/a><\/p>\n He leaves behind a legacy of music \u2014 and a reminder that one voice, shared with heart and humility, can echo across borders and generations.<\/p>\n We’re not even six months into 2025, and already country music has suffered some devastating losses.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Gallery Credit: Sterling Whitaker<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nA Six-Decade Opry Legacy<\/h3>\n
From Canada to Country Music History<\/h3>\n
A Life Beyond the Stage<\/h3>\n
Remembering a Gentleman of Country Music<\/h3>\n
Country Stars Who Have Died in 2025<\/h2>\n