Marty Stuart, Connie Smith call off Opry celebration due to illness

Country music icon Connie Smith was slated to celebrate the 60th anniversary of her Grand Ole Opry induction this week, but that won’t be happening because she and her husband, fellow country legend Marty Stuart, have fallen ill.

A statement shared to Smith’s Instagram broke the news to fans.

“Unfortunately, the special evening at the Grand Ole Opry planned for tomorrow night celebrating Connie Smith’s 60 years as an Opry member must be postponed,” the statement read. “We look forward to rescheduling this soon and to listening to the wonderful lineup of folks performing tomorrow night!”

She also shared a statement from the Opry.

“Though we were so excited to celebrate 60 years of Grand Ole Opry membership with the great Connie Smith tomorrow night, Connie and her husband Marty Stuart must cancel their appearances on the show due to, as Marty said, ‘the unwelcome presence of COVID in our home.’ We will look forward to celebrating Connie’s 60th with her (and with Marty by her side) on a future date to be announced soon. Marty will also be rescheduling his concert planned for this Saturday in Louisville.”

Fans flooded Smith’s post with prayers and well-wishes.

“Hope your family feels better soon, Connie!” one person wrote.

“I have been listening to Connice since 1964,” another wrote. “Get well soon, praying for you.”

“Prayers for you both,” another wrote. “COVID is not joke and seems to never go away.”

“Sending many sweet prayers to you and hope you have a speedy recovery,” another wrote. “GOD’S GOT YOU.”