\n<\/p>\n
Real estate investment trust Ryman Hospitality Properties (RHP) is considering offloading its majority stake in Opry Entertainment Group (OEG), according to a report from the\u00a0Tennessean<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n That’s the group, which owns two iconic Nashville music venues: The Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium. OEG’s portfolio also includes WSM Radio as well as star bars such as\u00a0Blake Shelton<\/a>‘s Ole Red locations and Luke Combs<\/a>‘ Category 10.<\/p>\n But the Opry is perhaps the marquee venue involved in this decision. It’s\u00a0the most storied venue in country music history, and\u00a0one of Nashville’s premiere attractions.<\/p>\n Maybe.<\/p>\n RHP confirmed to News Channel 5<\/a> this week that it is “exploring potential opportunities involving Opry Entertainment Group.”<\/p>\n “We are incredibly proud of our OEG business and of our role as stewards of these historic and iconic brands,” said the statement from RHP executive chairman Colin Reed. “…We remain focused on bringing artists and audiences together through iconic live entertainment experiences.”<\/p>\n Read More<\/em>: How Do Artists Become Grand Ole Opry Members?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n The company said that a “range of organizations” have shown interest, and it has engaged financial services company Morgan Stanley & Co LLC to evaluate those opportunities.<\/p>\n However, nothing’s finalized. “The company has not entered into any agreements, and there are no assurances that any transaction will occur,” the statement from RHP concludes. The statement also indicates that the company, who currently owns an approximate 70 percent stake in Opry Entertainment Group, expects to continue playing a significant role regardless of any future partnerships.<\/p>\n The Grand Ole Opry was founded in 1925 as the WSM Barn Dance, and it was instrumental in developing country music as fans know and love it today. It’s the\u00a0longest-running radio broadcast in U.S. history.<\/p>\n Grand Ole Opry membership \u2014 available by invite only \u2014 is one of the highest honors in the genre that can be bestowed upon an artist, and conveys a responsibility to its members to foster the traditions of country music and “the unbroken circle.”<\/p>\n Read More<\/em>:\u00a0Watch Vince Gill Perform the No. 1 Grand Ole Opry Song<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Last year, the Grand Ole Opry celebrated its 100th anniversary with a year-long run of special events and performances. On the anniversary of the official date of the venue’s founding \u2014 Nov. 28 \u2014 Vince Gill<\/a> unveiled and performed the No. 1 song in Grand Ole Opry history<\/a>: George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today.”<\/p>\n That answer is often difficult to determine, but this list of stars you won’t believe aren’t members suggests reasons where appropriate. <\/p>\n Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nCould the Grand Ole Opry Be Going Up For Sale?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
What is the Grand Ole Opry’s Legacy?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
31 Country Stars You Won’t Believe Aren’t Grand Ole Opry Members<\/h2>\n