Who Is Now The Oldest Living Member Of The Opry After Bobby Osborne’s Death?

Grand Ole Opry Mourns Deaths Of Members Jesse McReynolds & Bobby Osborne

The Grand Ole Opry lost two of its longest and most legendary members within days of each other in 2023. Jesse McReynolds of Jim & Jesse died on June 23 at the age of 94.

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Prior to Jesse’s death, he was the oldest living member of the Opry. The Opry released a statement after his passing, saying, “Thanks for all the music and memories, Jesse. We love and miss you.”

After Jesse died, Bobby Osborne of the Osborne Brothers became the oldest living solo member of the Opry. His singing partner and brother, Sonny, died in 2021.

Sadly, Bobby passed away on June 27, just four days after Jesse McReynolds. Bobby was 91 years old.

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The Opry mourned the loss of another legend, saying:

“We’re so thankful the Opry was home sweet home to you, Bobby Osborne. Thank you for all the cherished memories and dedication. We love you.”

Who Is The Oldest Living Member Of The Grand Ole Opry Today?

Following Bobby’s death, who is now the oldest living Opry member? That question actually has two answers.

Buck White of The Whites is technically the oldest living member of the Opry at age 93. He is even older than Bobby was. That’s why Bobby was described earlier as the oldest living solo member of the Opry.

The Whites were inducted into the Opry on March 2nd, 1984.

Now, the oldest living solo member of the Opry is Stu Phillips. He is 90 years old.

Stu was inducted into the Opry on June 1, 1967.

But 86-year-old Bill Anderson has been an Opry member longer than anyone else alive. He was inducted on July 15, 1961.

So Bill’s been a member of the Opry for 62 years!

There’s no denying how much the Opry family will miss Jesse McReynolds and Bobby Osborne.

Watch the two of them perform at the Opry in the videos below.