The Hallmark Channel and the Grand Ole Opry are partnering together to create something special.
This year, the iconic Grand Ole Opry is celebrating 100 years with a year-long lineup of special performances and events. Now, in honor of the special anniversary, the Opry is teaming up with Hallmark to create an original holiday movie for fans to enjoy this season.
The movie, titled A Grand Ole Opry Christmas, will star Nikki DeLoach and Kristoffer Polaha, as reported by Variety.
Filming is said to begin sometime this month in Nashville. The movie will premiere during the channel’s 16th annual Countdown to Christmas lineup.
The movie will feature “familiar faces” from the Opry, but those names haven’t been revealed just yet.
One country superstar, however, is confirmed to be involved. Brad Paisley will write original music for the film. He will also perform the theme song for the Countdown to Christmas 2025 campaign.
“The Hallmark Channel to me is a major part of finding the joy and the spirit of the holidays,” Paisley said. We turn it on and leave it on in our house like Christmas tree lights or decorations, it’s a major part of the atmosphere for us. I loved the challenge of creating that same magic with this music by letting it take you to the same place that these movies and this world Hallmark has built. Can’t wait for you to hear what all we’ve done. Also, knowing the Opry is the setting for one of these movies is very inspiring.”
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As of now, the movie’s air date hasn’t been confirmed, but the plot has been revealed.
The movie follows the character Gentry Woods (played by DeLoach), the daughter of a late country music legend. After a tragic accident 30 years ago, she gave up her dream of becoming a songwriter and stepped away from following in her father’s footsteps.
When the Opry invites her to represent her father during a special celebration, she’s hesitant but ends up going to the venue. While there, she is suddenly transported back to 1995, where she reunites with a lifelong friend and talent manager (played by Polaha).
The unexpected time travel also finds her getting the precious extra time with her father that she never had before he died.
“As the Grand Ole Opry celebrates its 100th birthday this year, this is the perfect time for us to partner with this beloved, iconic American institution and create Christmas magic together,” Darren Abbott, chief brand officer of Hallmark said in a statement. “Nikki and Kris are fan favorites and we know they will beautifully bring to life this emotional and heartfelt story that is sure to become an instant classic… Having the incredibly talented Brad Paisley write and perform original music for the movie is what Christmas dreams are made of. And we’re equally excited to have him write and record an original song that will be the soundtrack of our on-air campaign throughout the season.”
Along with the movie, Hallmark will launch a special Opry-themed merchandise collection. It will include items such as greeting cards, apparel, accessories, jewelry, and gifts. The merchandise will be available on Hallmark’s website, Opry’s website, and in their physical stores.
