Who Is Now The Oldest Living Member Of The Opry After Stu Phillips’ 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 overall 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

After Buck died, Stu Phillips (at age 92) became the oldest living member of the Opry. Sadly, Stu passed away on Christmas Day in 2025.

“Thank you, Stu Phillips—who was our oldest living Opry member—for your music, friendship, and 58 years as part of the Opry family,” the Opry shared in tribute to Stu after his passing.

Thank you, Stu Phillips—who was our oldest living Opry member—for your music, friendship, and 58 years as part of the Opry family. pic.twitter.com/fL6xvK9F52

— Grand Ole Opry (@opry) December 26, 2025

Who Is Now The Oldest Living Member Of The Opry After Stu Phillips’ Death?

Since Stu Phillips’ death, 88-year-old Bill Anderson is now the oldest living member of the Grand Ole Opry. He’s also the longest-serving member in Opry history.

Bill was inducted into the Opry on July 15, 1961. So he has been a member of the Opry for 64 years and counting!

Happy Birthday to our longest standing Opry member, the one and only Whisperin' Bill Anderson! 🎂 pic.twitter.com/LPXmQQkX4B

— Grand Ole Opry (@opry) November 1, 2025

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

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