Who Is Now The Oldest Living Member Of The Opry After Buck White’s Death?

Grand Ole Opry Mourns The Loss Of Its Oldest Members

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, 2023, at the age of 94.

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.”

Thanks for all the music and memories, Jesse.

We love and miss you. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/iL0m8pW76e

— Grand Ole Opry (@opry) June 23, 2023

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.

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.”

While Bobby was the oldest living solo member of the Opry for the few days between his and Jesse’s deaths, the oldest living member of the Opry, period, was Buck White of The Whites. Buck and his daughters, Sharon and Cheryl, became Opry members on March 2nd, 1984.

Sadly, Buck White passed away on January 13, 2025, exactly one month after his 94th birthday. The Opry paid tribute to Buck with a sweet message, saying:

“Thank you for all the music, memories, laughs, and for ‘Doing It By The Book,’ Buck White. We will miss you.“

Thank you for all the music, memories, laughs, and for “Doing It By The Book”, Buck White.

We will miss you. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/1h7VCGjA01

— Grand Ole Opry (@opry) January 13, 2025

Who Is Now The Oldest Living Member Of The Opry After Buck White’s Death?

Since Buck White’s death at the age of 94, Stu Phillips is now the oldest living member of the Grand Ole Opry. He is currently 91 years old and will celebrate his 92nd birthday on January 19, 2025.

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

While Stu is the Opry’s oldest living member, he’s not the longest-serving member.

87-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 63 years and counting!

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

Watch Jesse and Bobby perform at the Opry in the videos below.