Ricky Skaggs Celebrates 70th Birthday at Grand Ole Opry

On Friday, July 19, legendary country and bluegrass artist Ricky Skaggs celebrated a major life milestone while performing at the Grand Ole Opry. Skaggs, an Opry member since 1982, gathered with friends and family backstage to eat cake in celebration of his 70th birthday. 

“Wow, 70 years old, that’s pretty amazing,” says Skaggs. “As I’ve grown older and have done the things that I’ve been blessed to do, I realize that 70 is just a number. I don’t feel one bit older than I did two weeks ago. I kinda like it. When the audiences we play for hear that I’ve just turned 70, they clap a little harder and a little longer. Maybe it’s total sympathy! Or it could be the long gray hair.”

On his birthday, Thursday, July 18, the Country Music Hall of Fame member was surprised with a special video reel. The reel opens with Skaggs’ manager Charlotte Scott, then messages to follow from artists, family, friends and music business colleagues. Artists appearing in the video include Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Vince Gill, Randy Travis, Ray Stevens, Jeannie Seely, Josh Turner, Shenandoah‘s Marty Raybon, Doug Gray of The Marshall Tucker Band, The Frontmen, Mark Wills, Mac McAnally, Emily Ann Roberts, Skaggs’ band Kentucky Thunder, The Isaacs, TG Sheppard and Kelly Lang. 

Watch HERE.

On Thursday, July 25, Skaggs and his band Kentucky Thunder performed live at the historic Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville. The SOLD OUT performance was the final night of the annual Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman concert series.

For more information on Ricky Skaggs, visit rickyskaggs.com.