Watch Blind Country Musician Sarah Hardwig Get The Opportunity Of A Lifetime—Performing At The Grand Ole Opry

There are a handful of stages in Nashville revered beyond all others. One of these, with a perfect inlaid circle of wood honoring its deep Ryman roots, is the Grand Ole Opry.

Recently, one Nashville musician was granted the opportunity of a lifetime—playing within the Opry’s hallowed halls. 

The story starts with Charlie “Rocket” Jabaley (@charlie), social media influencer and founder of the non-profit Dream Machine Foundation. After being diagnosed with a brain tumor, Jabaley decided to turn his life around. “I want to become a new type of millionaire,” he told CNN in a profile back in 2018, “one that transforms a million people’s lives.”

Along his journey of making a million dreams come true, Jabaley came across singer-songer Sarah Hardwig busking with her guitar. Jabaley made a video on Instagram of their encounter, in which he asks Hardwig about “her big music dream.” She smiles and replies, “To play at the Grand Ole Opry!” Hardwig then describes a backstage tour at the Opry that brought her to tears. “I just had this feeling that, one day, I’m going to belong here,” she says.

Hardwig has Leber's Congenital Amaurosis, a diagnosis that has impaired her vision since she was just five months old. She’s loved music since she was a little girl, and her diagnosis has never held her back from continuing to pursue her dreams of becoming a successful country musician. She has performed at venues like The Bluebird Cafe and shared a stage with acclaimed musicians Lauren Alaina, Charles Kelley, and LOCASH. Hardwig has even dueted with Steven Tyler—one of her musical idols.

Upon hearing her dream to play at the Opry, Jabaley—a former music mogul—made a few calls. In the caption, the ‘Chief Dream Officer’ recounted his hustle to give Hardwig the gift of a lifetime. “I started calling everyone I know in Nashville. I ended up talking to Tim Gerst (CEO of Nashville marketing firm Thinkswell) and he put me in contact with the Opry in just a matter of minutes! When I talked to the staff, they were so excited to help make Sarah Hardwig’s dream come true!”

Jabaley then released part two of Hardwig’s dream-come-true: the moment she found out she’d be performing at the most exclusive, invite-only concert venue in the country. In a sweet moment, she throws her arms around Jabaley in thanks. Last week, with guitar in hand, Hardwig had a private performance in the famous Opry circle in front of her family and friends.

When the videos of Hardwig’s dream performance were released, her comments were filled with congratulations from fellow musicians and fans. 

One country artist, Kevin Kelsey, shared, “Holy cow Sarah. Amazing news. So happy for you. I remember back in 2016 you and your folks would come into WannaBs on Broadway as I was finishing my set. You would tear up the karaoke. You’ve come a long way kiddo.”

Congratulations on one very memorable performance, Sarah—we’re cheering you on!