Original subtitles

["LEAVE THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ON FOR ME" PLAYING]

(SINGING) I've been on the road for three weeks now

Playing sold out shows

And driving back through Arkansas

We ran into snow

I thought I'd be there in time for dinner Christmas Eve

But there's a jackknifed rig blocking 40 east

Oh, leave the Christmas lights on for me

I don't want to spend it in a motel all alone

Oh, leave the Christmas lights on for me

Now, Christmas won't be Christmas

if I can't make it home

[cheering, applause]

PRESENTER: Winters and Wade, everyone.

Thanks again for coming out tonight, folks.

Good night.

Good night.

VON: Hey, Jett.

Hmm?

Merry Christmas.

You too, Von.

[light music]

GENTRY: Ugh, so sorry you're not feeling well, Lulu.

Oh, listen, don't worry.

I'm gonna cover your shift.

OK, rest up now.

Bye.

I will deal with you later.

[knock on door]

Oh.

I already have one.

Yeah, but I was hoping we could swap it out.

Yours is more traditional. - What's wrong with that one?

It's got microphones and little violins.

Fiddles. MAC: Whatever.

Welcome to Nashville, buddy.

You know what, Gentry?

I have been back for five years.

I am this close to saying y'all.

Now, do want to swap or not?

Yeah, I think it's cute.

Good.

I'm gonna tell the record label.

They're courting me to sign one of their

new up-and-coming clients, kid named

Rowdy, who, coincidentally, I also want to represent.

I guess this is their way of wooing me.

Well, they should have gotten you a gift card to Ole Red.

You know me so well.

Food is my love language.

Mm-hmm.

Hmm.

Yeah, see?

It looks better on your door.

I knew it would.

That is because I embrace my roots,

unlike some people that I know.

You.

I'm talking about you.

I know you are. Where you going?

I thought you had the day off.

Ugh, well, Lulu called in sick, so manager hat off.

Waitress apron on.

Well, until you relent and let me sign you and represent you

to write a song that wins the CMA Song of the Year Award,

and you get all your laurels.

I'm serious.

Oh, that dream is for another me, Mac.

No, Gentry.

Talent is talent.

[TIGIRLILY GOLD, "MISTLETOE TIPSY"] So, baby,

let's keep fa-la-la-la fallin'

Up and down the halls

And getting kind of mistletoe tipsy

Sugar, you got me hoping

Maybe we'll get snowed in

Chilling all alone

Just you and me

It's getting kind of cold

So baby hold me close

Wrapped up in each other

Like we're underneath a tree

There ain't no kind of fallin'

Like fa-la-la-la fallin' in love on Christmas Eve

Fallin' in love

Fa-la-la-la

Fallin' in love

In love on Christmas Eve

Thanks, y'all.

We're Tigirlily Gold.

KRISTA: Merry Christmas, everybody.

[cheering]

All good?

Great.

Oh, hey, can you check on table 12 and make sure

their waters are refilled?

Sure thing.

Thank you, honey.

Everyone all right?

Yes, ma'am.

Good.

How'd we get so lucky as to have

Tigirlily Gold playing here?

They like to return to their roots here on Broadway from time

to time.

Nice.

Listen, I was telling my buddy here,

you're Jett Wade's daughter.

Is that right?

That's right.

Yep.

Why'd your daddy quit playing music?

Question for the ages.

Now, can I get you anything else?

Gotta tell ya, your daddy's Martin D-28 guitar, ooh.

Oh.

That's gotta be worth a pretty penny, huh?

You mean Gigi.

Mm-hmm.

I'll tell you what, if I knew where that guitar was,

I would've donated it to the Opry by now.

[laughter]

Let me know if you need anything else.

PATRON: Will do.

Thank you.

Thank you so much.

["LEAVE THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ON FOR ME"

PLAYING] I've been on the road for three weeks now,

playing sold out shows.

Hey, lady.

GENTRY: Rita.

You OK?

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Is it hearing this song all the way through Christmas?

Hmm.

No, I love this song.

Makes me feel closer to Daddy.

Yeah.

No, just a couple customers asking

the same question that everybody asks about Jett Wade.

Why did he walk away from fame and fortune?

That's the one.

And no one can answer it.

Not even me or you.

And I wish I could.

But he never said.

Yeah.

Christmas just makes me think about it more than usual.

That's all.

You want your regular?

No, I thought I'd try a seasonal drink.

Oh.

OK, peppermint hot chocolate it is.

Ah.

GENTRY: Oh.

But that's not what brings me by.

Oh?

I heard a rumor--

Mm.

--that the Opry sent you an invitation

and you've not replied.

Oh, Rita, I forget you still have ties there.

'Cause the Opry family, Gentry.

And it always will be.

And you are part of it.

Not really.

I mean, not anymore.

Honey, it's the Opry's 100th anniversary.

The Christmas special, it's on the 23,

and they want you up there on that stage, along with Von,

for their tribute to Winters and Wade.

You need to be there.

I'll think about it.

Oh, you are just as stubborn as he was.

So you keep saying.

RITA: Mm.

You want something a little extra in that?

Hmm, yes, please.

(SINGING) She's somebody's daughter

She's somebody's everything

She's somebody's little girl

Even if she's grown up and moved--

Yeah, no, I get it.

He's very good.

I mean, it's talent like his that

made me decide and agree to come back to Nashville

in the first place.

Yeah, I mean, the label wants you, but Rowdy decides.

He's looking for new management.

But he is a traditionalist.

So you want to win him over, talk to him about the history

of country music.

See? Right there.

That's the thing.

I am amazing at recognizing talent.

I can get it to all the right places,

but don't ask me to take a quiz on all this music stuff.

No, just fake it.

Get your girlfriend Gentry to help you.

She knows country history. Heck, she's part of it.

She's not my girlfriend.

OK, lady friend.

She's my friend, friend.

She's been my friend since high school onward until now.

OK, well, she's been divorced almost three years.

So what are you waiting for?

And don't tell me you don't like her like that 'cause I see

the way you to make eyes at each other

when you think the other's not looking.

Wow. Doctor Romance.

You're really-- oof, look at the time.

You know what, Charlie? Thanks for the drink.

I'm gonna go water my Christmas tree.

Well, now I know what I want for Christmas.

Oh, you like this watch, Charlie?

Mm.

You know how you get one of these?

You win best manager five years in a row.

OK.

Good luck with me around.

Rowdy's in town on the 23rd.

All right.

Well, that gives me a week to find my strategy.

All right.

Thanks for the drinks, Charlie.

RITA (ON PHONE): Hey, hon, it's Rita.

Taking Mac on the Opry tour tomorrow

to get him some country music history

for his potential new client.

Might be good for you as well.

[DOLLY PARTON FT. RANDY PARTON, "YOU ARE MY CHRISTMAS"]

Think of you

You-you-you

You're my

You-you-you

You are my Christmas

You

You, you are my Christmas

My reason for the season every year

Oh, you, you are my present

My future and my past

A love that should last

The gift that keeps on giving joy and cheer

Oh, you're the heart and soul of me

I don't need gifts or Christmas trees

You are all I'll ever need

You are my Christmas

My Christmas

Blessed to know that you're my own

You--

These pews are inspired by the Ryman Auditorium.

And they were installed in 1974 when the Opry moved here.

So when you sit here, you are sitting in a piece of history.

Now, some of these pews had to be replaced because

of the big flood in 2010, but we managed

to keep the spirit intact.

And those pews up there on stage,

well, they are from the original Ryman Auditorium,

and that is where family and friends sit

to watch their performers sing.

Do you remember when we'd would watch

your daddy play from up there?

[cheering]

[light music]

RITA: You know, the opera isn't a place.

It's a show.

It's the longest continuously run radio show in history.

But the closest thing to an actual location

is that circle right there.

MAC: How so?

Well, before this place, the Opry was broadcast

from the Ryman Auditorium.

And when they finally did move to here, well,

they kept part of that original stage,

and they put it right up here.

This is 6 foot round of pure history.

MAC: Mm.

Everyone who is anyone in country music

has stood in that circle to perform.

Mm-hmm.

Mm-mm.

Mm-mm.

It's sacred.

[music playing]

Mm-mm.

Wow.

GENTRY: Mm-mm.

MAC: She won't do it.

RITA: She's a purist.

Here, we have the members gallery,

which has the names of all of our artists

for the last 100 years.

Hey, Annie.

Hey, T.

T: How you doing?

Good.

T: Merry Christmas, guys.

Welcome to the Opry.

My name is T Graham Brown.

And every time I walk in here, I always touch my plaque,

say a quick prayer, then it's off to the circle to sing.

Y'all have fun.

Thank you, T. That is some special information, ladies and

gentlemen.

And if you follow me, we're gonna go to the mailboxes.

Oh, my goodness.

What a treat.

Mr. Rhett Akins is here with his son, Brody.

RHETT: Good to see y'all folks. - Hey, Rhett.

Hey, Von. How you doing, buddy?

Merry Christmas, buddy.

Yes, sir.

Von Winters.

What a day.

Hey, folks.

Follow me to the artists entrance.

We're gonna-- Maggie Barnes.

MAGGIE: How are you? ANNIE: Oh, my goodness.

What are you doing here?

I'm on my way to soundcheck.

Oh, well, do you have a minute to take some photos?

Anything for the Opry. Come on.

Thank you.

My goodness.

This is special.

Rita.

Hey, Von.

Good to see you.

Hey, Mac.

Sir, how are you? VON: Good.

Good to see you. - Good.

Good to see you.

Merry Christmas.

Uncle Von.

Hi.

[low chuckle]

Rita mentioned you'd be here.

I bet she did.

I hear you're keeping busy.

Smaller venues these days.

She also mentioned that you were thinking about skipping

the Christmas special.

I'm still debating.

Yeah.

You don't need me to honor Winters and Wade.

You are Von Winters.

That is more than enough.

What's the real reason?

You-- you know I always wanted to be a songwriter like dad,

and it just-- it didn't happen for me.

And if I step out on that stage during a show,

even if it's to honor dad, I haven't earned that.

And it's definitely not how I dreamed

I would step in the circle.

I hear ya, even if I do disagree about your shot

at a career being over.

You got sidelined a little bit, but it'll

just make your songs better.

Songs no one will sing.

Oh, never say never, especially around here.

Opry magic, that's a real thing.

Kind of like Christmas magic.

Put them together, who knows what can happen?

[light music]

[guitar playing, yodeling]

[clapping]

All right.

Go get 'em, boy.

[chatter]

[guitar playing]

Daddy?

Hey, you there.

Rita?

You can't be here.

Woo!

[light music]

MAC: There she is. Hang on.

Hey, Gentry.

Hey, hey, where you been?

You OK?

You know me.

And you know that I mean it when I tell you

that I sat on one of the pews on the stage,

and I went back in time.

I went-- - Hold on.

No. GENTRY: No.

Hold on.

Oh, come on.

It was another dimension.

But Mac, my dad was there.

I saw my dad and-- and Von.

Von was with him, and they were on the stage.

And they-- - I left you talking with Von.

VON: No, no, no, this was a younger Von Winters

and a younger Jett Wade.

Oh, and younger Rita too.

She was there.

And she-- and her hair, it was-- it was the same,

but it was dark.

And she was very annoyed with me.

But-- what-- what are you doing?

Well, I want to see if you hit your head.

I did not hit my head.

Or you did, and you have amnesia about it.

That literally makes no sense.

Oh, and time travel does?

Gentry.

I shouldn't have told you.

MAC: No, you should have told me,

so I know what to say to Rita so if we have

to take you to the hospital.

No, shh!

You cannot tell Rita.

What would I say?

All jokes aside, are you OK?

I'm fine.

I'm fine.

MAC: Hold on. - Yep.

- Gentry. - No.

Gentry.

[TYLER HILTON, "IT'S FINALLY CHRISTMAS"] Well,

farewell, February

Bye, July

Oh, September

Better step aside

'Cause it's finally Christmas

And I've been good this year

RITA: Boo.

You're looking mighty pensive.

Everyone says that the Opry has magic.

It does.

You can't have that many powerful artists walk

through those doors all those years

and not have a little magic linger.

I think you might be right.

Why do I get the feeling that you are fixing to do something?

I'm considering it.

[light music]

This is for luck.

RPM.

Wait, that was for the record label, right?

And my name.

Rita Patsy Mills.

Of course.

I got it at the Opry one Christmas.

[cheering]

Y'all, tonight, I have the pleasure of bringing out my dear

friend and mentor, one of the greatest country artists of all

time, Grand Ole Opry, would you please make some noise for Mr.

Jamey Johnson.

[cheering, applause]

Hello, gorgeous.

Megan, I've been playing in this little circle

now for over 20 years, and it still gets me going every time.

Thank you.

You know it's always an honor to have you.

[MEGAN MORONEY, "ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS A COWBOY"]

(SINGING) Don't need a new phone

Don't need a new car

Just bought me a new pink guitar

I'm an aunt to a puppy

So I don't need one for me

I've been on the road and ain't had the time to make a list once

Go check it twice

The only thing I'd like to see under my Christmas tree just

waiting for me

Give me tall

Hot in a Stetson

Something I can unwrap like a present

Hey.

Hey, just checking in to see how

you're doing after the whole portal

to another dimension thing.

Time travel.

MAC: Right.

Who's that?

Wait a minute.

Gentry, are you back at the Opry?

I want to see my dad again, Mac, if I can get back.

Go back where?

To wherever he is.

OK, stay just wherever you are.

I'm gonna come to you, and we're gonna talk about this.

Whatever-- whatever this is.

I am not delusional.

At least I don't think I am. - Gentry.

GENTRY: OK, the show is ending.

I have to figure out how to get backstage and then

on stage and into those pews.

Bye.

Gentry!

Gentry?

GENTRY: Yeah, Jett Wade.

I'm his daughter.

And I was supposed to meet someone here

to get some information about a Christmas special

that's happening on Wednesday.

I'm-- I'm a part of honoring Winters and Wade.

Ma'am, I don't remember hearing anything about that.

Weird.

Um--

Gentry Wade, huh?

That's right.

How come your daddy stopped making music?

He was so good at it.

I really wish I can answer that for you.

Well, I guess you're kind of Opry family by association.

OK, let me go check in and get this information for you.

Ah, thank you so much.

Yeah, I can do that.

You just stay right there. - OK.

SECURITY GUARD: OK.

OK.

[light music]

SECURITY GUARD: We got Jett Wade's daughter out here.

OK.

[chatter]

[light suspenseful music]

Ma'am!

Ma'am!

Oh, man.

She tripping.

[light suspenseful music]

Excuse me.

Lady, I told you to wait.

[exciting music]

Yes!

[organ playing]

Hey.

[organ playing]

Hi.

'Cause your sound checks up right after Shasta.

- All right. - OK?

We'll see you out there.

You take care.

Ma'am?

Ma'am.

(WHISPERING) Rita.

You cannot keep breaking in here.

The backstage is restricted.

I can assure you that this is not what you think it is.

Oh, really?

'Cause it looks like you snuck in here

to try to meet a country star.

Maybe get somebody to listen to your demo CD or cassette.

Well, I can promise you that neither of those items

are in my possession.

Oh, my stars.

I-- I didn't realize, well, that-- that you're

with the RPM record label.

Well, now, that's why you don't look like you're from here.

That's right.

I'm with RPM. RITA: Mm.

Mm-hmm.

Here to represent the singers.

I am so sorry about the mistake.

See, folks are always trying to get back here.

I'm Rita Mills.

Oh.

I am the associate producer of talent here.

But I also do a little bit of everything.

I bet you do.

I'm Jenny.

Jenny McCall.

Well, it's nice to meet you, Jenny McCall.

Well, let me give you a tour, huh?

Follow me right this way.

Now, which artist are you here to see?

All of them.

But particularly Winters and Wade.

Oh, that's my cousin Jett's band.

GENTRY: Aw.

You just missed them.

They left right after the rehearsal.

- Oh. - But they'll be here tomorrow.

Part of the Christmas week shows, which

I expect you already knew that.

Of course.

But I did, um, happen to lose their schedule.

Oh, well, let me go get that for ya.

Would you? RITA: Sure.

I have to run up to my office.

You stay right here.

Thank you so much, Rita.

RITA: No problem.

MAC: Are you sure?

Only thing I'm sure of is that one minute she was there,

and the next minute--

And-- so what?

She just-- she just sat here?

Yeah.

[gentle music]

Huh.

It can't be.

Whew.

[light suspenseful music]

[gentle music]

This is crazy.

[festive music]

Mac?

Gentry.

What?

Wait, what-- what are you doing here?

Ostensibly, I came here because I thought

you were losing your mind.

Oh, yeah?

How about now?

Yeah, now, I feel like I'm losing my mind.

OK, where are-- when are we?

OK, sit.

OK.

I'm pretty sure it's 1995.

OK, why then--

now, whatever?

I think it is just before Winters and

Wade's last show at the Opry.

You know, the Christmas before they split.

MAC: Yeah. - Yeah.

So then maybe you can find out why.

Why.

Yes.

And also, I just--

I want to see my daddy again.

Of course, you do.

Yeah.

But the problem is he's not coming back until tomorrow,

and I don't have a place to stay.

Uh, we.

GENTRY: No, no, no.

Don't-- don't you we this.

You need to go back.

I'm not leaving you behind.

Ah, before you argue, consider this, if I got

sucked up into some magic portal and thrust back into time

so I could see my late father again

and then you got sucked up into the same portal,

and you met me there, you wouldn't leave me behind either.

Fine, you're right.

You're right. I'd stay.

- Yeah. - Yeah.

Exactly.

OK, well, now, we need to find a place to stay.

MAC: Well--

RITA: Y'all are in a heap of trouble

if you don't have a place to stay this close to Christmas.

Who's this?

[clears throat] Mac McCall.

Hi.

Cute.

You brought your husband.

Oh.

RITA: Well, unless he's your brother.

BOTH: No.

No.

I didn't think so.

There's a vibe.

But why don't you two have a hotel booked or something?

Well--

That's my fault. I double booked and they both canceled.

And the airlines, they lost our luggage.

So nowhere to stay, nothing to wear.

It's been a day. MAC: It's been a day.

I know what that's like.

Yeah.

Why don't y'all come stay at my house for tonight?

It's real close.

And I've got a big old guest bedroom for you two.

That would be great.

- Very kind of you. - Yeah.

Well, it's Christmas.

That's what folks do for each other.

And here at the Opry, we also know it's important to take

care of the record label.

MAC: Oh.

Well, thank you.

So come on, Jenny.

Come on, Mac.

It'll be a Christmas slumber party.

Ah!

Jenny from the record label.

I'll explain later.

MAC: Yeah, you will.

Yeah.

RITA: I can't believe the airline lost your luggage.

Sorry.

RITA: Cream cheese Christmas cookies.

Mm.

Ah.

Oh, look, she's got the candy canes.

It's my favorite tree decoration.

I know what you mean.

What's y'all's Christmas tree like back in--

Los Angeles.

Oh.

RITA: I see that for you.

But, Jenny, you seem a little bit country.

I am.

Believe it or not, he is too.

We actually grew up next door to each other right

here in Nashville.

Really?

Mm-hmm.

Really and truly.

Were you always in love?

[laughter]

Well--

I mean, not consciously.

Not-- not at first.

We were so young.

Yeah.

Just too young.

But I always knew that she was special.

Well, this feels very When Harry Met Sally.

I love it.

[light music]

Are y'all planning for kids?

[chuckle]

You know what?

I keep forgetting that Wi-Fi isn't invented yet.

It's a forced technology detox, and it's good for you.

Yeah, but you know what?

My camera still works.

[sighs]

How long are you planning on staying here?

And by here, I mean this decade.

I don't know.

I mean, it's not like I have any control over when I--

Are you-- are you gesturing?

I don't know what you're--

I can't see you from down here.

What are you saying?

Huh?

GENTRY: How about now?

I can see you now.

Hi.

I want to see my dad, Mac.

I know.

Maybe even talk to him.

Are we allowed to do that?

I don't know.

But the question is--

What?

What are we gonna do about--

Rita?

Yeah.

Mm.

I think I know how to distract her.

How?

RITA: Archives?

MAC: Mm-hmm.

Well, nothing official like just yet.

Although I've tried to get a space together over at the Opry,

but there's just so much material

to document and preserve, and I'm only one person.

Well, I can help you.

RITA: You?

Sure, yeah.

You know, just until Jenny gets done with her work

with Winters and Wade.

You would do that? MAC: Yeah, I would love to.

Yeah, it'll give me something to do, you know,

while she's working.

And who knows?

Maybe I'll learn something.

RITA: Hmm.

Good morning.

Hey, morning.

Rita, thank you so much for letting us stay last night.

Of course.

Though, you might be here tonight, too.

I made some calls before you two got up.

I tried to get you to stay at the Gaylord Opryland Resort.

They don't have any rooms.

Nobody else does either.

How long are y'all planning to stick around for, anyway?

Um, I think it depends on what happens with Winters and Wade.

Hmm.

They usually show up to the Opry around noon.

Great.

I cannot wait to talk to 'em.

Y'all probably want to change your clothes, so we should

do a little shopping spree.

Would it be OK if I borrowed your car?

I need to run an errand.

Of course.

[bell jingles]

MAC: How much for this?

[BOB CHARLES & CARTER WILLIAM, "MISTLETOE ROCK"]

It's just my favorite.

So come on in. Come on in.

Oh.

RITA: Who's it here?

Is it Sandy?

Sandy, hello.

[vocalizing]

(SINGING) Help me hang up the mistletoe

So I can steal a kiss

I don't care if you're good or bad

You're at the top of my list

Help me hang up the mistletoe

It's almost Christmas Eve

Wrap me up in a hug or two

'Cause, baby, it's all I need

Got a whole lot of loving just for you

So let me squeeze you tight

Don't leave me standing on my own

On this cold winter's night

So help me hang up the mistletoe

So I can steal a kiss

Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-da-da

RITA: Now, it's not much to look at.

But one day, it'll be a proper archive.

I feel like the Indiana Jones of country music stuff.

Oh, well, the Opry has been entertaining folks for 70 years.

A lot of items to cherish.

Mm.

Did you know that it started in 1925 as a radio

program called WSM Barn Dance?

Yep, I remember that from the tour.

Tour?

Walk-through is what I meant to say.

When I was walking through to find Jenny.

Oh, OK.

Well, let's get to work. - Let's do it.

Let's get to work.

Come in.

[guitar playing]

JETT: (SINGING) All the way

Only Jett Wade can turn "Jingle Bells" into a ballad.

[chuckles]

Well, I loved it.

JETT: I do too.

Sounds like Christmas in here.

Feeling good about it?

Good as I can.

Yeah?

Why don't y'all take five.

I've got some interesting ideas about this new album

I want to run by you guys.

- Yep. - Yeah?

Mm.

I'll meet you in the back.

JETT: Yeah, go on.

Come on.

[guitar playing]

Jett Wade.

That's me.

Can I help you?

I'm Jenny McCall from R--

RPM.

Oh, pleasure to meet you, Miss McCall.

Although I wasn't aware the label was sending someone out.

Any excuse to come to the Opry.

I hear that.

Well, you just missed Von.

I think he ran off with Lenny, our manager,

to get some lunch or something.

Oh, that's fine.

I-- I just wanted to check in, make sure everything's OK.

Oh, good.

Yeah, no, everything's going real well here at the Opry.

It's a well-oiled machine, but I don't think

that's why you're here, is it?

It-- it's not?

Nah, it's about the album, isn't it?

The album?

Listen, I know the last two weren't as successful as we'd

hoped, but I'm working on a new batch of songs

and they're gonna be ready come February, so--

Oh, good.

Good.

Great.

So that means that everything with you and Von, you're--

you're working well together?

Like hand in glove, as always.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I gotta

have to make a call to my wife.

Wait, is she here in Nashville?

No, no, she's in Gatlinburg with our daughter for Christmas.

Oh, right, yes.

The White Christmas.

Yeah.

I beg your pardon?

Uh, sorry.

Um, I once spent Christmas in-- in Gatlinburg

with-- with my parents.

Yeah, and it was my first white Christmas.

JETT: Well, here's to hoping we get some snow.

That'll be your first one out there together.

My daughter's looking forward to it.

Now, if you'll excuse me.

It was perfect.

So not only are Winters and Wade

not planning on breaking up in the next three days,

they are talking about starting a new album

the beginning of February.

Which they didn't do.

Well, not in our reality.

OK.

What?

What if we didn't just travel back to 1995?

What if we went back to an alternative timeline

where Daddy and Von stayed together?

That seems a bit excessive.

- Maybe. - Yeah.

GENTRY: Yeah.

Mm-hmm.

I did watch a lot of Doctor Who a few years ago.

I get that.

GENTRY: Mm-hmm.

Here's what I think.

OK.

I think that neither one of us asked to come back here,

but it feels like we were brought here for a reason.

So I think our goal is to find out

what that reason is and then see what has to be done,

if anything.

[gentle music]

Thank you.

For?

Staying here with me.

Hey, you can't get rid of me that easily, lady.

To time travel.

[glasses clink]

Oh, it's really hard to take you seriously in that shirt.

Have you seen yourself?

Oh, Hank Williams.

My nana loved Hank Williams.

She would listen to his 8-tracks and his records

all day long if she could.

You two were close?

Oh, she was my favorite person in the world.

After my parents separated, her house was really

the only safe place for me.

You know what?

In fact, she had a flower shop not far from here.

Oh, really?

What was it called?

Ah, it was called Marigold Lane Flowers.

Well, I know them.

Over on Gallatin Pike?

Yeah.

RITA: Yeah, they're my go-to any time somebody wants flowers

brought here or delivered.

Hilty over there is a real doll.

Huh.

["jingle bells" playing]

(SINGING) Jingle bells

Jingle bells

Jingle all the way

Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh

Hey, jingle bells

Jingle bells

Jingle all the way

Mr. Winters, can I have your autograph?

Mm-hmm.

He's not gonna like it.

He'll like the money--

VON: Merry Christmas.

--when it starts rolling in.

Trust me.

Look, Von, two guys with guitars and good voices

is only gonna get you so far, OK?

You know that.

If Winters and Wade is ever gonna have a chance to reach

an audience the size of Brooks & Dunn, y'all are gonna have

to start chasing radio more.

- [clears throat] - I'm sorry.

Who are you?

Jenny McCall.

I'm with RPM.

Where's Adam?

Christmas vacation.

I'm filling in.

Well, Miss McCall, then Adam should

have filled you in on the plan that he

and I have already discussed.

Take a chill pill, Lenny.

I know you and the other shoot have already

talked about the future of Winters and Wade,

but we both have to agree on it.

And Jett doesn't agree?

He will once it is properly presented to him.

It's all about finesse, baby.

You know that's my strong suit.

Please, just do not talk about this at the party tonight.

OK, thanks, but I know what I'm doing.

(SINGING) Dashing through the snow

Well, maybe you should come to the Christmas party tonight,

Miss McCall, just in case he's not

as finessey as he thinks he is.

Me?

VON: Sure.

You're with the label.

You basically paid for it.

(SINGING) What fun it is to ride and

sing a sleighing song tonight

WOMAN: Oh, my.

It's Von Winters.

Can we get a picture with you?

Yeah, sure thing.

["up on a housetop" playing]

(SINGING) Up on the housetop reindeer pause

Out jumps good old Santa Claus

Now, this is like walking into a Grand

Ole Opry Christmas special.

Ooh, I'm gonna go talk to Reba.

All right.

Wow.

This is crazy.

Oh, I'm so glad Rita made me buy this dress.

Well, darling, you're the most beautiful woman in the room.

Shania Twain's here.

Ooh, really?

Where?

- Oh. - Yes, go, go.

I'm gonna go.

I'm gonna go.

Of course.

Good luck.

JETT: Why waste that money?

LENNY: It's not about the money. It's about what's best for--

JETT: New writers?

Nah, it's always been me who does the writing and

Von who does the music.

I hear you, Jett.

I do, man.

But look, the last two albums didn't quite

perform like we'd all hoped.

Gotta aim for a new direction, man.

Is this what you want, huh?

Know what I want?

I want to fill up stadiums as the headliner, same as you.

Maybe new writers will help make that possible.

I've already written the songs.

And we will throw them in the mix with the rest of them.

See which ones rise to the occasion.

Isn't that right, Miss McCall?

[scoffs] So this is why you're here.

Break it to me gently about me losing

my writing gig for my own duo.

Wow.

LENNY: Well, that went about as well as I thought it would.

Don't make me say I told you so.

Yeah, I need a drink.

Did that go as well as you thought it would?

That went exactly how I thought it would.

He's not gonna listen to me right now.

Mm-mm.

I'll try.

[gentle music]

May I join?

It ain't my porch.

Listen--

I got nothing against songwriters selling

their work to other artists.

That's what most of this town runs on.

In fact, I've had plenty of my own songs cut by other artists.

I know.

But I've always taken pride in the fact

that Winters and Wade sings their own songs,

songs that I wrote.

Then again, I suppose pride cometh before the fall.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm not real good company

for a Christmas party.

So you were rude to Miss McCall?

No, I wasn't rude.

Just maybe not as nice as I maybe could have been, is all.

Well, what is going on, cuz?

You're all out of sorts.

And I can't help noticing that Alice isn't here.

Me and Alice are fine.

She went ahead early to Gatlinburg with Gentry,

and I'm gonna be joining them after our Christmas performance.

And we're gonna spend a couple weeks, just the three of us

up there.

Hmm.

Well, you'll have all the time in the world

if you don't make it right with Miss McCall.

The record label rep.

I'll go apologize.

Go on.

Do you know "Jingle Bell Rock?"

Do you think that hiring writers

is enough to get your dad to--

to not only not do the album, but to quit the duo?

I don't think so.

I mean, my dad was prideful, but he wasn't foolish.

Did he say anything about it that Christmas?

Do you remember?

No, but also, I was a kid.

I wasn't really paying attention.

You know, I was focused on music and friends and--

I remember being at songwriting camp that summer

and winning that award.

My dad was there to see it.

Like, where-- where did she go, you know?

Where did that me go?

She's still here.

I believe that.

I don't know.

Maybe I was too sensitive for it all, because every time I got

rejected, it just hurt so much.

Yeah.

And it just made it a little easier

to put off songwriting or getting my music in the hands

of, you know, the right people.

You know that I've had this exact conversation

with every one of my clients.

And do you know what I tell them?

Hmm?

Persistence is just as important as talent.

What?

What?

I-- I went and pulled out my old journal and found

one of my half-written songs.

I wrote it when I was 16.

And I was convinced it was gonna be the greatest

Christmas love song ever.

MAC: Yep, in the history of music.

GENTRY: History of music.

And I just couldn't wait to share it with my dad and for him

to help me finish it.

I didn't get the chance.

Do you remember it?

Mm-hmm.

Well, then I need to hear it.

Oh, I'm-- no, I am not going to sing for you.

- No? - Mm-mm.

Why not?

You don't trust me?

I'm your husband.

Come on.

Of course, I trust you.

Just that-- you know I should really have a guitar for this.

Of course, you should. Yeah, absolutely.

(SINGING) I am melting just like the ice on our boots

By the door

And just like the fire

I feel warm

Cause when I look at you

With your eyes all aglow

I'm falling just like the snow

MAC: Mm.

GENTRY: Something like that.

It's good.

No, it's really good.

Finish it.

You're just saying that because it's

your husbandly duty.

Hey, one thing that I am certain about is your talent.

[festive music]

[chatter]

GENTRY: OK.

RITA: Come in.

GENTRY: I love it.

WOMAN: Thank you.

Thank you very much.

And this is Von Winters.

Hey, yep.

Where's Jett?

Good question.

Where's Jett?

OK, I'll be back.

Need any help?

You are awful persistent in talking to me.

Hmm.

Well, you are the talent.

Pfft.

Am I?

I'm sorry.

Here I am being a grump again when I should

be apologizing to you for my little

tantrum last night at Von's.

No need.

Actually, you know what?

Your record deal is over.

[laughs] Might solve a lot of problems.

Oh, would it?

Oh, it would.

And then cause a whole bunch more.

Though if we're hiring new writers,

maybe we should hire you.

Me?

JETT: Sure.

I came back out last night to apologize.

Heard you sing your half finished Christmas

song, the one you said you wanted

to finish with your daddy.

Oh, I wish you wouldn't have.

It's just not done.

And--

Mm-hmm.

How come you never finished it?

He died before we got a chance.

I'm sorry.

Me too.

Thank you.

Is that what made you hang up the guitar?

Become a suit instead.

Well, might have gotten me a little distracted

away from songwriting.

WOMAN: Excuse me.

Jett, we're ready for the media interviews now.

I'll be right there.

Listen, I'll tell you what.

How about you come by the Opry tomorrow

around noon before our rehearsal,

and you can tell me more about this song?

How's that sound?

I would love to.

All right.

Thank you.

Woop.

Voila.

Ay, looking good.

Thank you.

Now, the front desk, they asked me to do a refresh of all

the poinsettias in the dressing room,

so I'll put an order in over at Marigold Lane and well,

I thought since it was your nana's old place,

that maybe you'd like to be the one to go pick 'em up tomorrow?

I would love that.

Hmm.

Good.

That Jenny, she really hit the jackpot with you.

Rita.

How are you feeling about tomorrow with Jett?

So many feelings.

Yeah?

Yeah.

Um, I mean, when I was a kid, all I ever dreamed of

was getting to perform on stage with my daddy

like our own version of The Judds.

Yeah.

But now, I'm just happy to see him again.

I get it.

I get it.

Yeah.

It still doesn't make any sense why we're here, but--

GENTRY: Mm-mm.

--I'm grateful for the opportunity.

Me, too.

[gentle music]

Um--

Mm-hmm.

--I'm gonna go to bed.

Good night, Gentry.

Good night.

[bell jingles]

[pleasant music]

Can I help you?

Um, yeah, I'm here to pick up an order for Rita Mills

from the Opry.

20 poinsettias back here.

Come on back.

Careful.

Its original floor.

It likes to take out ankles.

I remember.

Uh, do you want a hand with those?

I'm not put out to pasture yet.

[bell jingles]

If that's you, Mac, the Bailey's order is ready back here.

MAC: Yes, ma'am.

These ones?

HILTY: Yep.

Tell their mom I threw in some holly 'cause I felt

guilty about her last birthday.

You got, Nana.

See ya.

HILTY: That's my grandson.

He's a good kid, but he's having a hard time.

Yeah?

Why?

There's a girl.

Always is.

He liked her and wanted to ask her to winter her formal.

But he waited too long.

And now, she's seeing some other boy.

You know, sometimes, adults make the same mistakes.

HILTY: True.

And who knows, maybe the timing's just off right now.

Sometimes you get another shot, sometimes you don't.

But if you do, don't waste it because it probably

won't come around a third time.

That's really good advice.

Thank you, Hilty.

Tell Rita if these don't knock her socks off,

I'm sending over orchids just for spite.

OK.

See ya.

[pleasant music]

[guitar playing]

Right on time.

Come on.

Come on in. Come on.

- Thank you. - Have a seat.

- Just sit? - Yes.

OK.

You don't-- you don't have to stop.

Oh, now, you said the other night at Von's that you

wish you had a guitar.

So why don't you take Gigi and play me your song.

Um, you want me to play you my song?

Like you were meant for it this time, yeah.

I don't know.

Come on.

Here.

Go on.

Try.

OK.

It's been a long time.

Mm.

And, uh, this is all I have so far.

OK.

GENTRY: OK?

[guitar playing]

(SINGING) I am melting just like--

Huh.

This is cool.

GENTRY: This is not exactly it but what

if we did something like, um--

(SINGING) All the shops in the square look

Just like a post card tonight

JETT: Yeah.

(SINGING) With everything covered in white

And like mercury dropping to 20 below

I am falling just like the snow

JETT: Yeah, that's nice.

GENTRY: Yeah. - What comes next?

Come on.

I just-- I don't know.

I don't know.

OK.

Well--

Mm-hmm.

What does this song mean to you?

Just being with your true love at Christmas.

Mm-hmm.

I was much younger when I started writing this,

when true love seemed easy.

It's not.

GENTRY: Mm-mm.

Nope.

It takes work--

Mm-hmm.

--sacrifice.

And time.

Time and commitment.

You know, the person that you choose will take care of you

when your mama, daddy no longer can and vice versa.

So the person you choose better be special.

And it better be the kind of person

that you can just simply be with, especially at Christmas.

Christmas.

JETT: Mm-hmm.

GENTRY: OK.

What if we started here to connect

the bridge to the other part?

OK.

GENTRY: OK.

(SINGING) From the blanket white on the ground

To a blanket with you on the couch

GENTRY: Nice.

(SINGING) After to winter and walking

It could be the eggnog that's talking

I hope you know

That I'm falling just like the snow

Your daddy would have loved that.

Wow.

Wow.

VON: [whistles] You just say the word,

we'll add you to the songwriter list, Miss McCall.

JETT: Ooh.

OK, listening in the doorway, are we, Von?

Ah, it's Opry tradition.

What's up, Von?

Afternoon meeting with Lenny.

You forget?

OK, boys, let's get down to business.

What are you doing here? - I was just--

LENNY: What's she doing here? - --leaving.

Is there a problem?

JETT: No, Jenny-- no, no, there's no problem at all.

Jenny. - Yeah?

You are real good.

Don't lose sight of that, OK?

OK.

[light music]

What have we got, fellas?

Schedule for recording the new album.

OK, but here it says December 26.

That's the day after Christmas. - It is.

We're supposed to be back in there in February.

LENNY: Got moved up.

For the tour.

World tour.

Mm-mm.

You see those dates there?

This is gonna be a gold mine, Jett.

Alice and Gentry will be fine.

You've gone on tour before.

Not for this long, Von.

Plus, Gentry's got a summer songwriting camp coming up,

and I want to be there for her, so--

Jett, this is it.

This is our chance to make it big.

We should have done this years ago.

Von, I am going to Gatlinburg after our show here.

And Alice and Gentry and I plan on being

there through the new year.

And there's a real good chance we're gonna

get to see a white Christmas.

So cancel your plans, man.

This is more important.

If I don't?

Jett, you are at a crossroads, my friend.

You need to make a decision by the Opry Christmas special

so that we can be ready for either Winters and

Wade's next step in evolution or--

or Von Winter's solo career.

[melancholy music]

[door slams shut]

He'll be back, right?

Right?

It's a tradition I've created myself.

I make homemade Christmas cookies

and bring them to the performers dressing

rooms as a little Opry treat.

All right, now, we are going to these

and then put them on the parchment paper,

put the parchment paper on the baking sheet,

then put the baking sheet in the oven.

After the gingerbread men are done.

And how many variations of Christmas cookies

are we planning on making?

Oh, not many.

Just Sno-Caps, peppermint bark, red velvet kiss, cranberry

shortbread, holiday haystacks.

Peanut butter Christmas minis.

Cherry jam thumbprints?

Those are just a few of my favorites.

Well, this is the Opry 70th anniversary Christmas

special we're talking about.

It's OK to go a little overboard.

Yeah.

All right, now, let's hop to it.

[KAYLIN ROBERTSON, "CHRISTMAS WITHOUT

YOU"] There's magic in the air

Love is everywhere

Bringing joy to your world

Oh, my stars.

(SINGING) I can't believe that it's finally here

The holliest, jolliest time of the year

Without you, it would just be blue

Oh, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without you

You, you, oh

Stockings on mantles and candy cane candles

And sipping eggnog by the fire

Whole living room packed with family and friends

That I haven't hugged in a while

All this magic in the air

Love is everywhere

Bringing joy to your world

I can't believe that it's finally here

The holliest, jolliest time of the year

Without you, it would just be blue

Oh, Christmas--

You gotta stop eating the cookies.

[phone ringing]

This is Rita Mills.

MAC: This looks pretty amazing.

Where is your watch?

I pawned it.

We needed some money while we were here.

Mac, that was a really expensive watch.

I would never want you to do that.

I know but it needed to be done.

And I didn't want you to have anything to worry about other

than you finding your dad and playing music with him,

which you did so--

[gentle music]

You are a generous, kind, thoughtful man.

And I want you to know that I see that.

I know you do.

And you know that I would do anything for you, right?

I do.

You already have.

[gentle music]

What's wrong?

That was the Opry.

Jett, he didn't turn up at the final rehearsal last night,

and nobody knows where he's at.

Uh, what about Von?

Apparently, there were words exchanged,

and-- and Jett left the Opry, but nobody's seen him since.

Well, should we go look for him?

Someone ought to.

Von seems a little more concerned

that he's not gonna show up to the Christmas show tonight,

but I've never known my cousin to be unprofessional.

He always shows up.

Well, I'd feel a whole lot better if someone talked to him

and confirmed your hunch.

I will.

So why do you think he's here?

Because he used to come here all the time when I was little.

He called it his thinking spot.

There he is.

[gentle music]

They send a search party?

More like a pre-search party.

This is Mac, um, my husband.

Hmm.

Pleasure.

Hey, the pleasure's all mine, sir.

You missed the final rehearsal.

Folks at the Opry are worried.

What happened?

You know, Von and Lenny want me to go back

in the studio and got this new album and

go on a nine-month world tour.

My daughter-- I've already missed so much time with her.

I'm sure she'll understand.

I'm not sure I do.

MAC: I got a question for ya.

If you're able to go forward in time and look back on your life,

which decision would you regret not making?

That's a very good question.

One that sounds like you've given some mighty thought to.

I have.

There was a girl once, and she lived on my street.

And I loved her.

And I wanted to ask her to the winter formal,

but I didn't because I was scared.

And then she went with this guy who

ended up being her high school sweetheart

and her eventual ex-husband.

And then I regretted it ever since, every day.

I hope she's sitting next to me right now.

This is fixing to get mighty awkward.

[laughter]

She is.

But we lost a lot of time.

Can't get that back.

Let me ask you a question.

Yeah?

I heard you say that your daddy got to see you win

an award at a songwriting camp.

Is that right?

Yeah, that's right.

What if he hadn't been there?

You know, when I was--

when I was young, um, my dad was away a lot for work.

But then he made a decision that allowed

him to be there a lot more.

And that was important to you?

Yeah, it meant everything.

You know, as the label rep, you're supposed to be talking me

into sticking with my career.

[chuckles] Yeah, but as someone who lost

her daddy as a teenager, I--

I know how important every moment together truly is.

Mm.

Yeah.

Yeah.

JETT: Thank you, Jenny.

Hey.

[children laughing]

So the story about the girl you had a crush on.

Well, that was you.

It has always been you.

You know, if you would have asked me, I would have said yes?

Oh, I knew.

Mm-hmm.

[gentle music]

I was right.

You are a really good kisser.

And I want to keep-- - Mm-hmm.

- --kiss-- - Mm-hmm.

--kissing.

Mm-hmm.

But the show starts in two hours at the Opry.

And we gotta see if Jett makes it to his performance.

Mm-hmm.

We're gonna circle back around to this, right?

Oh, 100%.

Yes, come on.

(SINGING) Let's get together this Christmas

I've been waiting all year

Going to get together this Christmas

And I can't believe it's finally here.

On my Christmas wish list

I've been wishing with all of my mind

It's been forever

So let's brave the weather

'Cause everything's better when we get together

VON: Jenny.

Can I talk to you for a sec?

Um, is-- is this about Jett?

No, it's about you.

You're not a record label executive.

I called RPM. No one's ever heard of you.

OK, listen.

Um, I can explain.

No need.

I think I understand what's going on here.

You're a songwriter looking for a break, and you found one.

Maybe went a little bit further than you expected.

Lucky for you, you're talking to the guy who once

snuck into Merle Haggard's backyard and posed as a gardener

to get his break.

I, uh, never knew that.

Hey, his manager caught me and kicked me out before Merle

got home.

Listen, I heard that Christmas song you sang the other day.

Oh.

It's good.

Real good.

I know a thing or two about writing songs,

and I think you got a special talent, one I'd like

to see what we could do with.

Wow.

I-- thank you.

I-- I don't know what that means.

Well, you know, we're looking for songwriters.

Why not you?

Unless you don't want a career as a songwriter?

No, I-- I have wanted that forever.

Great.

We'll set up a meeting for after Christmas, you, me, and Lenny.

But wait.

But what about Jett?

We'll cross that bridge.

[light music]

Well, it's quite the opportunity.

It's all I ever wanted.

Career wise.

But you'd have to stay here in 1995.

Which is impossible.

Not really.

I mean, we both know what'll probably send us back,

so we just have to avoid the Ryman pews on stage.

We could stay.

You have a family, Mac.

You have parents, your brothers, sister.

If you don't go back, then they're never gonna

know what happened to you.

Well, in 30 years, I'll show up.

I'll have a head of silver hair, I'll have dashing wrinkles,

and I'll tell them.

And they'll probably have me committed.

I won't let that happen.

And I'm not gonna leave you.

It has taken us 30 years to get together.

And I'm not gonna give that up.

And I'm also not gonna be the guy

that stands in the way of you getting

to fulfill your dream career.

I'm not doing it.

Opry magic and Christmas magic might be formidable,

but I just wish it was a lot less complicated.

Yeah.

[gentle music]

I knew you'd come.

Here's the thing.

I don't want to headline stadiums.

I like writing songs that mean something.

And I want to spend Christmas with my family,

with my wife and my daughter in the snow.

And I want to be there when Gentry wins

her songwriting award at camp this summer,

which I know that she will.

What do we tell folks?

We had a good run, better than most.

The rest is our business.

Fair enough.

One last song?

Can't think of a better place for the Winters and

Wade farewell than the Opry at Christmas.

I agree.

Let's do this.

[cheering, applause]

PRESENTER: Thank you.

Thank you.

[sentimental music]

He needs a guitar pick.

- Oh. - Yeah, here.

- I'll take it. - Here.

- Let me take it. - Here.

All right.

I got you, Jett.

Hey, whoa, whoa, whoa.

Oh, give me a second.

Here, boss.

Whoa.

All right, my man.

We're good.

Oops. Whoa.

Ooh, sorry. Ooh.

Oh.

[grunts] Oh, no.

Mac.

No.

No.

No.

No.

Come on.

Coming up, the dynamic duo of Von Winters and Jett Wade.

[cheering]

Here to perform their number one hit single, "Leave the Christmas

Lights on For Me."

Give it up.

[cheering]

["LEAVE THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ON FOR ME" PLAYING]

(SINGING) I've been on the road for three weeks now

Playing sold out shows

I'm driving back through Arkansas

We ran into snow

I thought I'd be there in time for dinner at Christmas Eve

But there's a jackknifed rig blocking 40 East

Oh, leave the Christmas lights on for me

I don't want to spend it in a motel all alone

Oh, leave the Christmas lights on for me

Now, Christmas won't be Christmas

if I can't make it home

WOMAN: Try this.

(SINGING) Away in a manger

No crib for a bed

The little Lord Jesus lay down His sweet head

The cattle are lowing

The baby awakes

The little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes

Ooh, love the retro look, Mac.

MAC: Oh, yeah. Thanks.

You look great. How are you?

Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.

Good to see you.

You know, in the end, just stay true to yourself.

I appreciate that, Jamey.

That means a lot. - Yes, sir.

- Thank you. - I'll see ya.

Thank you. See ya.

Hey, hey, Jamey.

How you doing? - Good.

How are you? - Hey.

- Who's that? - Howdy.

Well, what do you think?

I think I gotta pinch myself.

This is unbelievable.

It's a special place.

The Opry is a special place.

I'll tell you what.

I want to surround myself with people

that love good old-fashioned country music.

Well, there's a lot to love about the music,

and there's no greater place to experience

it than right here at the Opry.

Well, I'm looking forward to it.

And-- and hopefully looking forward to working together.

Well, shoot, Rowdy.

I sure would like that.

Me too, man. Me too.

WOMAN: Hey, y'all, we're getting close.

Let's go. - We should get backstage.

All right.

Let's go.

Me?

Thank you.

Oh, man.

Hey, Mr. Bill.

How are you?

I'm doing great.

Good, man.

I got some news for you.

What's that?

This time next Christmas, you're gon' be out

there standing in that circle. - That'd be a dream come true.

You know that, don't you?

Man, I hope so.

I hope so.

You've got what it takes.

I've seen your videos on TikTok.

And you're born to do this, pal.

That means a lot.

- A born star. - Means a lot coming from you.

- Go far. - Thanks, Bill.

Thank you, Mr. Bill.

That was you, Bill.

Well, he's-- he's got it.

- Yeah, he does. - Yeah.

- It's good to see you. - Thank you.

Good to see you. - Want to get out there?

How y'all doing this fine December?

[cheering]

Welcome to the Grand Ole Opry as we continue 100

years of country music history.

[festive music]

[cheering, applause]

PRESENTER: Winters and Wade, everyone.

Thanks again for coming out tonight, folks.

Good night.

Good night.

VON: Hey, Jett.

Hmm?

Merry Christmas.

You too, Von.

[camera shutter]

You too.

Let's set that meeting.

Tell you what.

He's gonna need someone who knows her way around words.

Here.

I won't be needing it any longer.

And you, Jenny, you're talented, very talented.

Remember that, OK?

Hmm?

OK.

Your daddy, is he--

is he a good daddy?

[gentle music]

The best.

Well, I hope my daughter one day thinks of me that way.

She will.

Mm.

Yeah?

OK.

All right then.

Okey dokey.

[sentimental music]

You know, here at the Opry, we love

to pay respects to our history, and we certainly

have a lot of history.

But one of the groups that I have

fallen in love with over the years is Winters and Wade.

I know y'all remember their big old hit "Leave the Christmas

Lights on For Me."

We also remember that Von Winters

went on to have a solo career that

was legendary in its own right.

So ladies and gentlemen, please give a warm Opry

welcome to Von Winters.

[cheering, applause]

[sentimental music]

Well, hey there, Gentry.

Glad you could make it.

Ladies and gentlemen, this here is

Gentry Wade, the daughter of my dear late friend, Jett Wade.

Gentry!

Oh, folks, I have watched this young lady grow up.

And I saw how proud her daddy was of her songwriting.

In fact, he had a hand in helping

on a song she wrote a while back called

"Falling Just Like the Snow."

How about you step in the circle if you're ready.

I'm ready.

[triumphant music]

When I was first asked to come to the Opry

to honor Winters and Wade, you and Daddy,

I hesitated, not because I didn't

believe you don't deserve it.

Of course, you do.

Of course.

I didn't believe in myself as a songwriter.

But being here, remembering what my daddy taught me,

I now know that it is so much bigger than that.

Music itself is the gift.

And if you can write from a place of honesty and love,

just like my daddy did, you have already found your voice.

Standing here tonight in this circle,

it is a dream come true because I get to honor where I came from

and finally, finally believe in where I'm going, thanks

to Winters and Wade, to my daddy and especially

to the Grand Ole Opry.

[cheering]

That's what I like to hear.

Let me ask you this, Gentry.

How would you like to hear somebody

perform your song right now?

Because I gave it to Mr. Brad Paisley.

What?

And he said he couldn't think of a better tribute

to Winters and Wade than to sing a song written

by Jett Wade's daughter.

So, folks, how about a warm Opry welcome for Brad Paisley.

[cheering]

Here we go.

Everybody.

Thank you.

Hi.

Good to see you.

Thank you--

- How are you? - --so much for this.

Absolutely.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas, everybody.

This is such a pleasure to get to do this.

First of all, Christmas time for me is the warmth and the love

and the joy of the holidays.

And the song I'm gonna be able to sing for you today that I'm

so lucky to have the gift of being able to perform written

by Gentry, and it's just beautiful

and it just captures this holiday so perfectly to me.

["FALLING JUST LIKE SNOW" PLAYING]

(SINGING) I am melting

Just like the ice on our boots by the door

And just like the fire I feel warm

'Cause when I look at you with your eyes all aglow

Girl, I'm falling just like the snow

You are something to see in that sweater I gave you tonight

In the glow of the Christmas tree lights

And like mercury dropping to 20 below

I am falling just like the snow

From a blanket of white on the ground

To a blanket with you on the couch

After winter and walking

It could be the eggnog that's talking

But I hope you know

I am falling just like the snow

I am falling just like the snow

Thank you guys.

Woo!

Woo!

[cheering, applause]

You wrote a great song.

I did.

So honored to get to do that.

GENTRY: Well, I can't imagine a better person to do it.

Thank you so much.

You're welcome.

You just made my dream come true.

Ah, likewise. Thank you.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

[gentle music]

How?

All I know for sure is that Opry magic and Christmas magic

together make a powerful force.

Who knows what can happen.

But it's past time we had that meeting about your songwriting.

I'll be there.

You promise?

Here.

Hold her for me.

I'll get Gigi at the meeting.

Ah.

So where you been?

Rita, you have no idea.

It's such a long story.

And I promise to tell you everything.

But I am back now.

Yes, you are.

Oh.

Thank you.

Bring you luck.

It brought me everything.

Yeah.

Mm-hmm.

It did.

Can you believe what happened?

Brad Paisley sang my song.

- Amazing. - Yes.

That was amazing.

It was amazing.

And I thought I lost you forever.

You didn't.

About time.

(SINGING) To 20 below.

I am falling

(SPEAKING) I can't believe you got this.

Yeah.

Oh, it's incredible.

Oh, thank you.

Thank you.

Yeah.

Do you know I tried to come back to you.

You did?

So many times.

Nothing happened.

I guess the Opry figured we did what we needed to do.

Yeah.

You know I would have stayed with you.

I know.

OK.

And I love you for that.

I love you for so many reasons and so many things for so long.

I cannot remember when I didn't love you.

I just-- I'm sorry that it took me so long to say it.

It's OK.

Now we both know.

Yeah.

Yeah.

All it took was us going back 30 years to figure it out.

No big deal.

And a little Christmas magic.

Yeah, a little Christmas magic.

[sentimental music]

Oh.

[laughter]

[light music]

[theme music]