Country Singer Announces His Grand Ole Opry Return After Fatal Tragedy
Conner Smith is preparing to take the stage at the Grand Ole Opry less than two months after his involvement in a fatal car accident.
The country singer, 24, announced via his Instagram Story that he will appear at the iconic Nashville, Tennessee, venue on Wednesday, July 30, marking his first performance since the tragedy.
'Grateful to step back on stage Wednesday,' he wrote. 'Thankful to the church of country music.'
Smith's Opry return comes after he struck and killed a woman in Nashville last month. Smith was driving a pickup truck on June 8 when he hit 77-year-old Dorothy Dobbins as she crossed the road inside a crosswalk, according to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. The victim was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where she died.
🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬
'The preliminary contributing factor for this crash appears to be Smith failing to yield the right of way to the pedestrian,' police said. 'He showed no signs of impairment.'
At the time, Smith's attorney confirmed to People in a statement that he was 'involved in a car accident that tragically claimed a life.'
'His heart goes out to Ms. Dobbins' family during this incredibly difficult time,' the statement added. 'Mr. Smith continues to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.'
On July 10, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department confirmed that Smith was charged with a misdemeanor for failure to yield the right of way resulting in death.
The following day, Smith broke his silence on the tragedy in a statement via Instagram.
'Not a day has gone by that I haven't grieved, prayed and mourned for Ms. Dobbins and her family. My heart is broken in a way I've never experienced, and I still struggle to fully process the weight of it all,' he said. 'I ask that you continue to lift the Dobbins family up in prayer by name, asking for God's peace to surround them each day.'
He continued: 'Out of respect for everyone involved and to give space for grieving, I made the decision to step away from shows these past few weeks. I have always found that making music and playing shows is a place of healing for me — but for this moment, it was important for me to take time away. I'm thankful to serve a God who is near to the brokenhearted, and I have leaned on Him every step of the way. Through tragedy, I have learned that God is more faithful than I could have ever known before.'
Country Singer Announces His Grand Ole Opry Return After Fatal Tragedy first appeared on Parade on Jul 26, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
TechCrunch
a minute ago
- TechCrunch
‘Wizard of Oz' blown up by AI for giant Sphere screen
In Brief The massive Las Vegas venue known as Sphere will be screening its first classic movie, 'The Wizard of Oz,' starting on August 28. And as detailed in a segment on CBS Sunday Morning, this isn't just a matter of taking the existing movie and projecting it on Sphere's 160,000 square foot, wraparound LED screen. Instead, Sphere Entertainment CEO James Dolan said a 2,000-person team is creating a new experience. That includes using AI to both increase the resolution of the existing film and expand the footage beyond the frame of what was actually shot. For example, Turner Classic Movie presenter Ben Mankiewicz said that through the use of AI, 'a grainy close-up of Dorothy becomes richly detailed, and then through a process called outpainting — though it seems like magic — we see the rest of the Scarecrow, the Yellow Brick Road, and the mountains of Oz.' In other cases, expanding the frame means creating new performances from the existing actors. Despite these changes, Dolan said, 'Our standard on this was not to modify the film at all but to try and bring you into the film, as if you were in the studio when it was shot.'
Fox News
2 minutes ago
- Fox News
11 wounded, 6 critical, in stabbing incident at Michigan Walmart, suspect in custody
Fox News senior correspondent Mike Tobin reports from Traverse City, MI where a suspect is in custody following a stabbing incident at a Walmart leaving 11 people wounded and none left in critical condition on 'Fox Report.'
Forbes
2 minutes ago
- Forbes
Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Is Bravo Star Carl Radke's New Favorite Wearable
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 22: Carl Radke attends Samsung's Galaxy Watch8 Running Event at Mercedes Club on July 22, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Samsung ) Getty Images for Samsung Wearable technology has hit a new high with its latest edition of the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 and a second-generation Galaxy Ring. In a sea of wearable products for fitness and health, some designs and platforms barely simplify their device for the user experience. Meanwhile, Samsung has also launched the Galaxy Z Fold7 to complement the compatible tech design and data storage, new products that are easier to use for active lifestyles. Samsung's latest Galaxy Z Fold7 "Can your phone do that?" campaign featuring stars like Doechii, Dylan Efron, Jaden Smith. Samsung In the new Samsung Galaxy's 'Can your phone do that?' campaign, rapper Doechii is featured showcasing the Galaxy Z Fold7's duality and functionality of the smart device. Other highlights in this campaign include The Traitors star and winner Dylan Efron and rapper Jaden Smith, showing off the sleek 'Z Foldables'' remarkable capabilities for a busy schedule. Samsung's latest Galaxy Z Fold7 "Can your phone do that?" campaign featuring stars like Doechii, Dylan Efron, Jaden Smith. Samsung Bravo reality television star Carl Radke, a wellness advocate and fitness enthusiast, has always been intentional about his personal style, both in fashion and in fitness. Known for his energetic personality and mindful approach to living, Radke, who has gone sober, recently partnered with Samsung Galaxy to host the 'We Run on Rest' event in New York City, emphasizing the importance of recovery in an active lifestyle with the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 and Ring. Radke led a group run along the West Side Highway, tracking his performance with the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 and monitoring his stats on the Galaxy Z Fold7. Recording the run and all the bodily responses, the Galaxy Watch8 comes as a thinner model than previous generations. This is extremely lightweight and has a much brighter screen. The aluminum case comes in a new cushion shape and interchangeable Dynamic Lug bands. This sleek case hugs your wrist for health readings sent to the Galaxy Z Fold7 device. A longer battery life, capable of going over 2 days without a charge, keeps new fitness tracking features locked in. The screen operates with enhanced performance, powering a reimagined One UI 8 Watch experience for smoother operation. Samsung's latest Galaxy Watch8, Galaxy Ring, and Z Fold7 combine sleek design with user-friendly functionality, championed by wellness advocate Carl Radke, who champions fitness and recovery with the new wearables. 2025 Getty Images With an expanded 21:9 Cover screen and even sleeker form, the Galaxy Z Fold7 is easier to hold or tuck away during runs. Whether folded or unfolded, Galaxy Z Fold7 is exceptional, with a main screen that spans 8" across, the most expansive screen on a Galaxy phone. Samsung upholds the idea of seamless integration of fitness and tech, highlighting how modern wearables can enhance both performance and personal style. Samsung's latest Galaxy Watch8, Galaxy Ring, and Z Fold7 combine sleek design with user-friendly functionality, championed and wellness advocate Carl Radke, who champions fitness and recovery with the new wearables. 2025 Getty Images Carl Radke has always prioritized looking and feeling his best, whether on-screen or during his workouts. "I've always believed in 'looking good, feeling good, playing good, and getting paid good,'' Radke says, quoting NFL Hall of Famer Deon Sanders. ' It's about the details - socks, sneakers, everything. I'm particular about what I wear." His recent shift to sobriety has inspired his latest fitness journey. Preparing to run the New York City marathon, Radke sought wearable tech that reflects his commitment to optimizing his health, without sacrificing aesthetics. 'I've bought some wearables in the last six months to track my health,' he recalls. 'My running friends said I needed a watch. I've always worn a nice gentleman's watch, but it doesn't track running. This is the first time I've had something giving me real data and information that's actually pertinent. It's been really helpful.' Samsung's latest Galaxy Watch8 combine sleek design with user-friendly functionality. Samsung Radke has discovered the Galaxy Watch8, having a perfect balance between functionality and style. Its sleek, cushion-shaped design and Dynamic Lug bands ensure a comfortable fit, with the wrist fastening tucking away for seamless wear. While the screen is brighter with customizable watch faces, the Watch8 is thinner and has a lighter build, ideal for both workouts and everyday wear. Samsung's latest Galaxy Watch8 combine sleek design with user-friendly functionality. Samsung This latest model is designed to complement personal aesthetics. The Galaxy Watch8 offers customizable watch faces, allowing users to switch between a minimalist look for daily wear and a data-rich display for workouts, with additional chronograph-style faces. Radke describes it, "I can change the watch face to something simple or more dynamic. It's versatile. I'll say, it's been worth it." Samsung's latest Galaxy Watch8, Galaxy Ring, and Z Fold7 combine sleek design with user-friendly functionality, to help wellness advocate Carl Radke on his fitness and recovery with the new wearables. 2025 Getty Images "Samsung makes great products," he admits. "For me, it's about the size and sleekness. I'm a bigger guy, so I need something that fits well and is easy to work with.' Radke explains further, 'I like what I like to wear. This [Watch8] connects well! It's sleek, sexy, and clean. As a guy, I wear watches, but it's all about the right fit. It's professional but also stylish.' The Galaxy Z Fold7 to track runs, monitor recovery, and stay connected. The expanded 8" Main Screen provides ample space for viewing Samsung Health metrics, while the slimmer folded form makes it easy to carry. 'The sleep score isn't my favorite, but the functionality is there,' Radke notes. 'It's different, but it works.' Samsung's latest Galaxy Watch8, Galaxy Ring, and Z Fold7 combine sleek design with user-friendly functionality, to help wellness advocate Carl Radke on his fitness and recovery with the new wearables. 2025 Getty Images For Carl Radke, fitness is just as much about style as it is data and recovery. With Samsung supporting runners with the latest Galaxy Watch8, the sleek, minimal design Galaxy Ring, and Z Fold7, he has found a blend of performance and sophistication in tracking his health journey, along with the right tech to elevate his workouts and personal aesthetic.
