âScroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.â
Introduction
Some moments in country music go beyond the spotlight and touch the heart. Josh Turnerâs 98-year-old grandmother-in-law, Lois Cunningham, delivered one of those moments in February 2016. Her unforgettable piano performance of âHow Great Thou Artâ on the Grand Ole Opry stage wasnât just musicâit was a testament to the timeless power of faith, family, and song.
Lois Cunningham Captivates the Opry with Grace and Simplicity
When Josh Turner stepped onto the Grand Ole Opry stage that night, he wasnât there to sing one of his chart-topping hits like âLong Black Trainâ or âYour Man.â Instead, he had a special introduction to make. With a heartfelt smile, he addressed the audience:
âMy wifeâs 98-year-old grandmother⌠her name is Lois Cunningham, and sheâs going to come out and play on the Grand Ole Opry stage for the very first time. This is Lois Cunningham, and sheâll play when sheâs ready.â
With those words, Lois took her place on the iconic stage. Dressed elegantly, she approached the piano with the quiet confidence of someone who has been playing for decades. What followed was a soul-stirring rendition of âHow Great Thou Art.â No flashy lights, no backing bandâjust Lois and the piano.
The simplicity of her performance only magnified its beauty. The reverence of the hymn, paired with her graceful playing, silenced the crowd, drawing everyone into the sacredness of the moment. Her music spoke volumes, her hands moving over the keys with the ease of someone whose life had been entwined with music.
She filled the Opry house for three minutes with a sound that transcended generations. When she finished, the audience rose to their feet in thunderous applause. The ovation wasnât just for her piano skillsâit was for the story she carried, the life she lived, and the spirit she shared that night. After her performance, Josh Turner warmly embraced her, a touching end to a performance that left not a dry eye in the room.
The video of this remarkable performance was later shared by the Grand Ole Opryâs official YouTube account, where it gained millions of viewsâover 12 million, to be exact. Lois Cunningham, a 98-year-old grandmother with a love for music and a heart full of faith, had become an internet sensation.
A Legacy Built on Music and Faith
Lois Cunninghamâs life was a testament to the enduring power of music. For over 30 years, she shared her talents as a music teacher, instilling the joy of song in others. Her faith was equally central to her life. She was an active church member, and itâs no surprise that her chosen hymn, How Great Thou Art, reflected her devotion and gratitude.
Following her Opry debut, Lois continued to inspire those around her. On her 100th birthday, the Mayor of Valdosta and the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners honored her with a proclamation declaring it âLois Cunningham Day.â It was a fitting tribute to a woman who had not only lived a long life but had lived it wellâdedicated to family, community, and her craft.
Sadly, Lois passed away peacefully on August 26, 2018, surrounded by loved ones. She left behind a legacy of music, faith, and kindness that will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing or hearing her play.
While she may no longer be with us, itâs easy to imagine Lois playing the hymns she loved dearly at a piano in heaven. Her Grand Ole Opry performance remains a shining moment in country music history, reminding us that itâs never too late to share your gifts with the world.
Take a moment to watch this unforgettable moment on the Grand Ole Opry stage and see why this 98-year-old grandmother earned a standing ovation from the crowdâand the world.