On the evening of September 10, 2025, Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena transformed into a sacred space for country music, as Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, and Dolly Parton stood shoulder to shoulder on stage, delivering a performance that transcended entertainment and became a moment of pure magic. What began as just another stop on their “One Last Ride” tour—a historic collaboration featuring some of country music’s greatest voices—turned into a once-in-a-lifetime night that left 18,000 fans crying, shaking, and screaming with joy. As Reba, her voice trembling with emotion, whispered, “That’s history right there,” the arena seemed to pause, capturing a collision of country music’s past and present that will be remembered for generations.

The “One Last Ride” tour, which kicked off in May 2025, has been billed as a celebration of country music’s enduring legacy, bringing together icons from different eras to share the stage. The lineup, initially announced as featuring Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Alan Jackson, George Strait, and Blake Shelton, promised a blend of tradition and modernity. However, the Nashville stop, coinciding with the Grand Ole Opry’s ongoing 100th anniversary celebrations, took on a life of its own when Parton, McEntire, and Underwood delivered an impromptu tribute to the women of country music. The trio’s performance, marked by raw emotion and unparalleled vocal prowess, turned the arena into what fans described as “holy ground,” a fitting tribute to the genre’s trailblazers.

The night began with high energy, as Underwood, 42, opened with her powerhouse hit “Before He Cheats,” her voice soaring over the crowd’s roars. McEntire, 70, followed with a soul-stirring rendition of “Fancy,” her signature anthem of resilience that had fans singing along word-for-word. Parton, 79, brought her infectious charm with “Jolene,” her playful banter and sparkling stage presence reminding everyone why she remains a global icon. Each artist commanded the stage with individual sets, but the magic truly ignited when the three women joined forces for a medley honoring country music’s female pioneers. “We’re here to celebrate the women who paved the way,” Parton declared, her voice warm yet commanding. “From Patsy Cline to Loretta Lynn, they’re with us tonight.”

The medley, a seamless blend of classics like Cline’s “Crazy,” Lynn’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” and Tammy Wynette’s “Stand By Your Man,” showcased the trio’s chemistry. Underwood’s crystalline vocals intertwined with McEntire’s rich, emotive delivery, while Parton’s delicate harmonies added a layer of grace. The crowd, already on its feet, erupted when the three transitioned into a reimagined version of Parton’s “I Will Always Love You,” arranged with gospel harmonies and backed by a fiddle and dobro. As the final note lingered, McEntire, visibly moved, whispered to Parton, “That’s history right there,” her words caught by a stage microphone and broadcast across the arena. The audience, many in tears, responded with a standing ovation that lasted nearly five minutes.

The emotional weight of the moment was amplified by the personal significance for each artist. For Parton, the performance was a bittersweet tribute to her late husband, Carl Dean, who passed away in March 2025. She dedicated the set to him, saying, “Carl loved this music, and he’s here in spirit.” McEntire, who has faced her own losses, including the recent passing of her son, spoke of music’s healing power, her eyes glistening as she thanked the crowd for “carrying us through.” Underwood, representing the next generation, expressed awe at sharing the stage with her idols. “I grew up singing Reba and Dolly in my bedroom,” she said, her voice cracking. “To stand here with them is a dream I’ll never wake up from.”

The Nashville stop was more than a concert—it was a pilgrimage for fans, who traveled from across the country to witness what many called a “once-in-a-lifetime” event. The “One Last Ride” tour, conceived during a 2025 jam session at the Grand Ole Opry, was designed as a bridge between country music’s golden era and its vibrant present. The inclusion of Parton, McEntire, and Underwood—three women who have collectively won 22 Grammy Awards and shaped the genre over decades—made the Nashville show a focal point. Fans lined up hours before the doors opened, clutching signs with lyrics like “You’re the reason God made Oklahoma” and “9 to 5 forever.” Inside, the energy was electric, with generations of families singing together, from grandparents to young children.

Social media exploded in the aftermath, with #OneLastRide and #CountryQueens trending globally. Fans shared videos of the medley, capturing the moment McEntire’s tearful whisper resonated through the arena. “I’ve never cried so hard at a concert,” one fan tweeted, alongside a clip of the trio embracing. Another wrote, “Dolly, Reba, and Carrie just made history. I’m still shaking.” Celebrities joined the praise, with Blake Shelton, who performed earlier in the show, posting, “That was church, y’all. Pure magic.” Miranda Lambert added, “Thank you for showing us what country music is all about.” The viral response has fueled speculation about a live album or documentary capturing the tour, with fans clamoring for a way to relive the night.

The performance also served as a nod to the Grand Ole Opry’s centennial, a milestone that has brought renewed focus on country music’s heritage. The trio paid homage to the Opry’s history, with Parton sharing stories of her 1967 debut and McEntire recalling her own first performance in 1977, when she nearly missed the stage due to a mix-up at the gate. Underwood, a proud Opry member since 2008, spoke of the venue’s role in her career, calling it “the heart of country music.” The women’s shared reverence for the Opry added a layer of authenticity to the night, reminding fans of the genre’s roots in storytelling and community.

Behind the scenes, the bond between Parton, McEntire, and Underwood was palpable. Sources close to the tour described late-night rehearsals filled with laughter and mutual admiration. “They’re like sisters,” a crew member shared. “Dolly brings the wisdom, Reba the heart, and Carrie the fire.” Their collaboration extended beyond the stage, with the trio reportedly planning a joint charitable initiative to support music education for young women, inspired by their shared experiences breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry. “We’ve all fought to be here,” McEntire said during the show. “Now we’re lifting each other up.”

The night concluded with a group finale featuring all six tour headliners—Parton, McEntire, Underwood, Jackson, Strait, and Shelton—trading verses on classics like “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” and a new song written for the tour, “One Song Left to Sing.” The emotional weight of the finale, with the artists linking arms under a single spotlight, left fans in awe. “It felt like we were witnessing the soul of country music,” one attendee said, her voice still hoarse from cheering. The show’s closing image—three generations of artists united—has been hailed as a defining moment, a “passing of the torch” that honors the past while embracing the future.

As the “One Last Ride” tour continues, the Nashville performance has set a high bar, with fans calling it the “Super Bowl of country music.” For Parton, McEntire, and Underwood, the night was a testament to their enduring impact and the power of music to heal, inspire, and unite. “This is why we do this,” Parton told the crowd, her rhinestone-clad figure glowing under the lights. “For the love, for the stories, for all of you.” As Reba’s whispered words echoed in the hearts of those present, the Bridgestone Arena became more than a venue—it became a sanctuary where country music’s past, present, and future converged, leaving an indelible mark on everyone who bore witness.