At 74, Crystal Gayle appears happy and healthy. She stays engaged with her fans and participates in public events.
- At the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th-anniversary celebration, Keith Urban performed Crystal Gayle’s hit “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” as a heartfelt tribute to her legacy.
- Recent social media concerns about Crystal Gayle’s health, fueled by observations of weight loss, appear to be unfounded, with no credible reports confirming any illness.
- Crystal Gayle was officially inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2017 by her sister, the late Loretta Lynn.
At the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th-anniversary celebration, country music star Keith Urban delivered a heartfelt tribute to Crystal Gayle by performing her iconic 1977 hit, “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue.”
The event, held at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, featured a lineup of notable artists, including Carrie Underwood, Jelly Roll, The War & Treaty, and Post Malone.
Watching Keith Urban perform live on the Opry stage – never gets old hearing him sing and play. His tribute to Crystal Gayle with his cover of "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue" was PERFECT!
— Heather Miller (@hkatmiller) March 20, 2025
And now my MOST FAVORITE Alison Krauss and Union Station is on stage. FANGIRLING!🎶 pic.twitter.com/zn60ada1ej
Before his performance, Urban reflected on Gayle’s remarkable career, noting her early introduction to the Opry and her unique artistic identity.
He shared,
She first played The Opry when she was 16 years of age.
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She was later inducted as a member right here on this very stage by her big sister, Loretta. She’s always been her own artist.
Urban’s rendition of “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” was met with enthusiasm from the audience, underscoring Gayle’s enduring influence in the country music genre.
Following this tribute, Urban energized the crowd with his song “Wasted Time,” demonstrating his versatility as a performer.
Recent Concerns About Gayle’s Health Seem To Be Unfounded
In recent months, some fans have expressed concerns about Crystal Gayle’s health, particularly on Facebook, citing observations of weight loss and her advancing age.
However, there is no credible information or official statements indicating that Gayle is battling any illness.
While there have been instances in the past where Gayle rescheduled performances due to sickness, such as when she had to postpone her Mill Town Music Hall concert in early 2020, the recent speculations appear to be unfounded.
Gayle, whose real name is Brenda Gail Webb, continues engaging with her fans and participating in public events, as evidenced by her active Instagram page.
Her most recent Instagram post was a throwback to the early 2000s, which she captioned,
Ran across this wonderful picture taken at the Opry in the early 2000s. So many special memories. I’m looking forward to being back there tonight. ❤️🎶
Instagram
Gayle Was Inducted Into Grand Ole Opry In 2017
Gayle’s connection to the Grand Ole Opry is profound.
She was officially inducted as a member in 2017 by her sister, a milestone that recognized her influence in country music.
Her sister, the late Loretta Lynn, was also a cherished member of the Opry and a country music legend in her own right.
The bond between the sisters was well-known, with Lynn often serving as a mentor to Gayle in her early career.
Beyond her musical achievements, Gayle has maintained a stable personal life.
She married Bill Gatzimos in 1971, and the couple has two children, Catherine and Christos.
Their enduring marriage is often painted as a monument to lasting partnerships in the entertainment industry.
Keith Urban’s tribute at the Opry 100 celebration was not just a performance but a gesture of respect and admiration.
Urban, who has shared a close friendship with Gayle’s sister, Loretta Lynn, brought a personal touch to the event.
Additional Information
- Loretta Lynn suggested the name ‘Crystal’ for her sister after seeing a sign for Krystal hamburgers, as there was already a famous singer named Brenda Lee.
- Lynn was the first female country artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, marking her as a trailblazer in the genre.
- Crystal Gayle lent her voice to the character ‘Emily’ in the 1993 animated film “The Country Mouse & the City Mouse: A Christmas Tale.”
- Gayle is renowned for her distinctive floor-length hair, which has become a signature aspect of her image.
