There are some heartfelt moments in country music that transcend the limelight. In February 2016, Lois Cunningham, Josh Turner’s 98-year-old grandmother-in-law, gave one of those moments. Her iconic piano rendition of “How Great Thou Art” at the Grand Ole Opry was more than just a piece of music; it was a celebration of the enduring strength of song, family, and faith.
Lois Cunningham’s Grace and Simplicity Enchant the Opry
Josh Turner wasn’t performing one of his number-one singles, like “Long Black Train” or “Your Man,” when he took the stage at the Grand Ole Opry that evening.Rather, he needed to make a unique entrance. He smiled broadly as he spoke to the crowd:
“The 98-year-old grandma of my wife… She will be performing on the Grand Ole Opry stage for the first time, and her name is Lois Cunningham. Lois Cunningham is this person, and she will play when she is ready.
Lois stepped onto the famous stage with those words. She was well dressed and walked up to the piano with the serene assurance of a musician who had played for decades. A heartfelt performance of “How Great Thou Art” ensued.Just Lois and the piano, no dazzling lights, no backup band.
Her performance’s beauty was further enhanced by its simplicity. Everyone was drawn into the holiness of the occasion as the crowd was silenced by the hymn’s reverence and her exquisite performance. Her hands glided over the keys with the ease of someone whose life had been interwoven with music, and her music spoke for itself.
For three minutes, she filled the Opry house with a sound that was ageless. The audience stood up in roaring ovation when she was done. Her tale, her life, and the energy she conveyed that evening were the reasons for the applause, not just her piano prowess. Josh Turner gave her a tender embrace after her performance, which was a heartwarming conclusion to a show that left everyone in the audience speechless.
Later, the Grand Ole Opry’s official YouTube account posted the video of this incredible performance, which amassed millions of views—more than 12 million, to be precise. An internet celebrity, Lois Cunningham was a 98-year-old grandma with a strong religious heart and a love of music.
A Tradition Based on Faith and Music
The life of Lois Cunningham served as evidence of the timeless appeal of music. She taught music and spread the joy of singing to others for more than 30 years. Her life also revolved on her faith. It should come as no surprise that her selection of the song, “How Great Thou Art,” expressed her thankfulness and devotion as an avid churchgoer.
Lois continued to motivate others around her after making her Opry debut. The Lowndes County Board of Commissioners and the Mayor of Valdosta celebrated her 100th birthday by announcing it to be “Lois Cunningham Day.” It was an appropriate remembrance of a woman who had lived a long life, one that was devoted to her art, her family, and her community.
Regretfully, Lois died quietly on August 26, 2018, in the company of her loved ones. Everyone who had the honor of knowing her or hearing her perform will remember the legacy of compassion, faith, and music she left behind.
It’s easy to picture Lois playing the hymns she loved at a piano in paradise, even if she may not be with us anymore. Her performance at the Grand Ole Opry continues to be a memorable event in the history of country music, serving as a reminder that it’s never too late to show off your talents.
See why the crowd—and the entire world—gave this 98-year-old grandma a standing ovation by taking a moment to see this historic event on the Grand Ole Opry stage.
