Jenna Paulette Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut

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Jenna Paulette. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

Country singer-songwriter Jenna Paulette made her Grand Ole Opry debut Friday night (Aug. 18).

Paulette grew up on a ranch in Texas inspired by the music of George Strait, Reba McEntire, Gene Autry, The Chicks and Miranda Lambert. Her upbringing lent itself to the blend of toughness and sensitivity that shows up in her music.

Jess Ogden, Taylor Morton, Jenna Paulette, Emily Miller, Taylor McAdams. Photo: Wes Walker

Paulette settled in Nashville in 2015, where she struck up a relationship with hit songwriter Ashley Gorley. His mentorship ultimately led to her publishing deal with Sea Gayle Music in June 2021. Now having written with Will Bundy, Rhett Akins and Jessie Jo Dillion, as well as having opened for Parmalee, John Michael Montgomery, Clay Walker and Aaron Watson, Paulette released her debut album, The Girl I Was, in March to critical acclaim.

For her Opry debut, Paulette pulled out “Country In The Girl” and “The Girl I Was.”

She shared the bill with Carrie Underwood, Dustin Lynch, Herb Alpert and Riders In The Sky. After her performance, Paulette and her team celebrated at an after party in The Circle Room at the Opry, sponsored by her Justin Boots and Lone River Ranch Water partners. There was an edible boot cake, Lone River Ranch Water cookies, Texas state cookies and Grand Ole Opry circle cookies, as well as food from Texas staple Whataburger.

LB Cantrell
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