Bill Anderson Cancels Opry Performance After Hurting Himself In “Freak Accident”
Bill Anderson was scheduled to sing at the Grand Ole Opry on August 16, but had to cancel his performance due to an injury. (Photo Credit: Tony R. Phipps / Getty Images)
Country Music Legend Bill Anderson Drops Out Of Saturday Night Opry Show After Suffering A “Freak Accident”
The legendary Bill Anderson backed out of a recent appearance at the Grand Ole Opry following a “freak accident.“
87-year-old Anderson planned to sing at the Opry on Saturday night (August 16). Other performers on the lineup included T. Graham Brown, Jordan Davis, Wyatt Ellis, Kylie Morgan, Don Schlitz, Monte Warden, and the Opry Square Dancers.
But those in attendance at the Grand Ole Opry House that evening didn’t get to see Anderson. He was forced to cancel his performance, which concerned fans.
Many messaged Anderson and his team to ask after his well-being. Wanting to set everyone’s minds at ease, Anderson released a statement on Monday (August 18).
Anderson explained that he hurt himself in a “freak accident.” Although he’s doing alright now, he had been in “excruciating pain” and had to cancel several commitments because of it.
“It was a freak accident where I simply twisted or tore some ligaments or muscles or something in the back of my left leg trying to climb into bed, and I fell to the floor unable to walk. I was in excruciating pain and had to cancel a songwriting appointment with T. Graham Brown on Friday, the Opry on Saturday, and an appearance at the State Fair for WSM on Sunday. If you know me, you know how much it bothers me to go back on any commitment I may have made.”
Anderson said he’s now “feeling much better,” crediting “a bunch of ice packs and pain pills” for his recovery. He ended his message by thanking everyone for the prayers and well-wishes.
Bill Holds The Record As The Longest-Serving Member Of The Opry
Shortly before his “freak accident,” Bill Anderson made an appearance at the Opry House to sing at Jeannie Seely’s memorial service. Seely passed away on August 1 at the age of 85.
Anderson, one of Seely’s closest friends, helped end the service by leading a group performance of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken?”
Both Seely and Anderson made Grand Ole Opry history. Seely performed more Opry shows than any other artist: 5,397 to be exact. Her memorial service was billed as her 5,398th show.
As for Anderson, he holds the record as the longest-serving member in Opry history. He was inducted as a member on July 15, 1961, meaning he just celebrated his 64th Opry anniversary.
We’ll be praying for Anderson’s quick and complete recovery so we can see him onstage at the Opry again soon! Watch one of his past Opry performances in the video below.
