Lainey Wilson Plays Johnny Cash’s Guitar For Unbelievable Tribute At The Opry
On June 18, 2025, Lainey Wilson stepped into the Circle at the Opry to pay tribute to Johnny Cash. She got the chance to play one of Johnny's guitars while she sang "God's Gonna Cut You Down." (Photo Credits: Grand Ole Opry / Facebook & Rick Eglinton / Toronto Star via Getty Images)
Grand Ole Opry Honors Johnny Cash And June Carter During “Opry 100” Program
Lainey Wilson recently had the chance to play a guitar that once belonged to Johnny Cash. While holding a literal piece of history in her hands, Wilson stepped up to the microphone and delivered an ode to “The Man in Black.”
Wilson’s performance was part of the Grand Ole Opry’s special concert series, “Opry 100 Honors: Tributes to the Trailblazers.” Each show in the series honors “trailblazing Opry legends who shaped country music’s past and continue to inspire its future.”
These tribute shows blend into the Opry’s larger “Opry 100” celebration this year (2025) as they celebrate their 100th anniversary.
Loretta Lynn received an all-star tribute show on May 13. Charlie Daniels will be honored on July 8, just two days after the five-year anniversary of his death.
Country music power couple Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash received recognition at the Opry on June 18. Performers included Wilson, The Gatlin Brothers, The Tennessee Four, John Carter Cash, Ana Cristina Cash, and Carlene Carter.
Lainey Wilson Left In Awe After Being Handed Johnny Cash’s Guitar
Wilson, an Opry member since 2024, stood in the Circle to honor Johnny Cash on June 18. She told the audience she had on of his guitars in her hands.
“I can’t believe that I’m getting to play it tonight,” Wilson said, clearly in awe. “These are those moments…when people say, you know, like, ‘When did you think you made it?’ or ‘Have you had that feeling, have you made it yet?’ And I don’t have that feeling all the time. But being able to stand in this Circle, and hold Johnny Cash’s guitar, makes me feel like I made it.”
Wilson once had the chance to hold one of Hank Williams’ guitars. She likened that experience to being handed Cash’s guitar, saying, “It just feels like I’m holding The Holy Spirit.”
The Opry shared a clip of Wilson speaking about Cash’s guitar, which you can watch below.
@opryofficial Opry star @Lainey Wilson rocked the #Opry100 ♬ original sound – Grand Ole Opry
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According to a later post from the Opry, Wilson sang “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” while playing Cash’s guitar. They said:
“Opry star Lainey Wilson rocked the #Opry100 Honors show tonight with Johnny Cash’s guitar in hand, singing ‘God’s Gonna Cut You Down.’ What a moment!“
CMT and Several audience members shared clips of Wilson’s fiery performance on TikTok, which you can watch below. Hopefully, the Opry releases a video of her whole performance sometime soon!
@cmt @Lainey Wilson pays tribute to @Johnny Cash with a performance of “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” 🙌 📍 @Grand Ole Opry / #Opry100 #laineywilson #johnnycash #countrymusic ♬ original sound – CMT
@concretecowboy85 #laineywilson #opry #fyp ♬ original sound – Travis Jenkinson
