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.
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'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.
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