Tammy Wynette Tribute Comes Together for New TV Special
It’s always great to see the legends of country music’s past being paid tribute. That’s what will happen on March 30th at the Mother Church of Country Music as a host of performers are coming together to honor Tammy Wynette’s legacy in an event that will be taped for future broadcast via the PBS series Great Performances.
Set to happen on March 30th at the Ryman Auditorium, Forever Yours: The First Lady of Country Music will see a bevy of talent come together, from contemporaries and understudies of Tammy, to some of the new and promising women coming up through the country ranks, and a few big voices from outside of country music. The names announced as part of the tribute so far include:
Wynonna, Randy Houser, Ann Wilson (of Heart), Carter Faith, Kimberly Perry, The War And Treaty, Gretchen Wilson, KT Tunstall, Brittney Spencer, Lucinda Williams, Lorrie Morgan, Terri Clark, Valerie June, Mandy Barnett, Patty Griffin, Debby Boone, Tami Neilson, Jaci Velasquez, Katie Pruitt, The Isaacs, Jamie O’Neal, Kaitlin Butts, Carlene Carter, Georgette Jones, Troubadour Blue, Jason Coleman, and more to be announced.
It’s great to see rising stars like Carter Faith and Kaitlin Butts involved with this, Tammy and George’s only child in Georgette Jones as well, along with Tami Neilson, who has one of the strongest voices in all of music. Randy Houser is in the mix to play the role of George Jones to sing “We’re Gonna Hold On” with Wynonna. The War and Treaty will handle “Golden Ring,” Lucinda Williams will sing “Apartment #9,” and Terri Clark will tackle “Your Good Girl’s Gonna Go Bad.”
There’s a lot of big voices in this tribute lineup. No word just yet when the television special will air. But those who want to be in the audience and witness it first-hand can go to Ryman.com for tickets and more info.
March 19, 2026 @ 8:49 am
Just saw Carter Faith for a sold out hometown show in Charlotte and she was great! Exciting to see.
March 19, 2026 @ 8:52 am
A tribute without Sheryl Crow? I never thought I’d see that. Put extra security on all entrances to make sure she doesn’t sneak onto the stage.
Glad Tammy is getting a night.
March 19, 2026 @ 9:14 am
…honestly, there ought to be a “tammy wynette night” every year there. i usually mention to young female vocalists that if they want to find out for themselves where they stand with their voice and technique to do a recording of “till i can make it on my own” – the tour de france of country songs when it comes to breath and stamina. only martina mcbride could reach (young) tammy’s level – perhaps even surpassed it at times, technically. faith hill and trisha yearwood came close too. there’s a terrific array of female voices scheduled there – not least georgette jones, who’s got a mighty fine voice too. should be a great tribute and a treat.
March 19, 2026 @ 9:34 am
As much as I love Barbara Mandrell with all my heart and soul (who is, and will always be my favorite artist), I actually think Tammy Wynette was the greatest female vocalist in country music. That break in her voice…it can’t be faked, and you felt every ounce of pain she went through. I remember listening to my mom’s Wynette records, and being completely enthralled by her.
Glad to see “outside” voices like Ann Wilson and Jaci Velasquez…and of course, everyone in the country genre. I just heard Debby Boone on the radio a few hours ago (Are You On The Road To Lovin’ Me Again), and I had forgotten about her connection to country music; so glad to see her in the mix. Overall this is going to be a great presentation.
March 19, 2026 @ 10:06 am
Tammi Wynette. Stand By Your Man. An early version from the Wilburn Brothers’ show. Some of the instrumental hooks have yet to be added. Steel guitar arguably better than on the hit version.
In my estimation a top-notch vocal. Of all time. For the quiet, worried lines as much as for the big finale. I think of it as the “yellow dress” SBYM.
To whom it may concern: Sierra Ferrell’s ’26 tour doesn’t start until May 30th.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EX4DXbe1YI0
March 19, 2026 @ 10:22 am
You said it better, Country When Country Wasn’t Cool, what I was trying to say 🙂
btw The link in my comment is to Tammi Wynette on the Wilburn Bros.tv show.