Grand Ole Opry Celebrates Most Loyal Fan

On Saturday, June 16, The Grand Ole Opry will recognize its undisputed most loyal fan, Nashville’s Paul Eckhart.

Eckhart will mark 40 years without having missed a single weekend of Opry performances, and the Opry plans to celebrate during the show by honoring him with its first-ever Opry Fan Award along with other surprises while he and his family enjoy performances from the Opry’s front row.

“None of us can imagine looking out on a weekend Opry performance and not seeing Paul in the crowd,” said Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher. “We hope to make this Saturday night’s show his most memorable yet!”

Eckhart began his Opry streak the day he and his family moved from Northeastern Pennsylvania to Nashville, visiting the Opry that night before his family unpacked. Paul credits the Opry as having played a pivotal role in his happy marriage, because while Eckhart spent his weekends at the show, his wife went to play bingo.

“Every Opry show has been special, each one has been different, and every single one of them has been entertaining,” Eckhart said. “I can’t imagine having spent my weekends anywhere else.”