Alan Jackson stepped onto the Grand Ole Opry stage, not just for another performance, but perhaps for his final bow. The legendary country star, who first graced that very stage in 1990 with Here in the Real World, returned more than three decades later for the Opry’s 100th anniversary, delivering a rare and emotional rendition of his 1992 classic Chattahoochee. With every note, the moment felt heavier—was this the last time the world would see Alan Jackson under the Opry’s sacred lights? -

One of the biggest celebrations in country music history is underway in Nashville as the Grand Ole Opry celebrates its 100th birthday.

The Opry 100 celebration brought together nearly 40 of the genre’s biggest stars, most of whom are members of the hallowed institution. Among those in attendance was Alan Jackson.

Alan Jackson was invited to join the Grand Old Opry in 1991, one year after he first performed in the iconic circle. He sang “Here In The Real World,” the title track of his debut album, for his first Opry performance in 1990.

Roy Acuff and Randy Travis welcomed Alan to the sacred family the following year.

Immediately after his official induction, Jackson visited talk show Nashville Now where he talked to guest host Charlie Chase about the memorable moment.

“Hard to believe 6 years ago I was carrying a bucket of mail over there every day for about $5 an hour,” Alan said, adding his feelings about being a new member. “It’s an honor. I’m ready proud because it’s a great institution. I don’t know if country music would exist without it.”

He told Chase that he almost got choked up when joining the Opry because he was so excited and proud.

“You think about the people who have stood on that piece of wood that came out of the Ryman Auditorium. From Roy Acuff … and Hank Williams. I could sit here and name names all night. It’s just an incredible feeling of the history.”

During Wednesday’s Opry 100 birthday celebration, Alan Jackson sang his 1992 hit, “Chattahoochee.”

Alan Jackson returned to the Grand Ole Opry stage to help celebrate its milestone birthday. Jackson’s appearance was especially poignant due to the fact that he is making few public appearances outside of his final concert tour.

“Chattahoochee” was released as the third single from Jackson’s third studio album, A Lot About Livin’ (And A Little ‘Bout Love). The song was included in Alan’s The Greatest Hits Collection, where he shared the story behind the tune he wrote with Jim McBride.

“Jim McBride and I were trying to write an up-tempo song and Jim came in with the line ‘way down yonder on the Chattahoochee.’ It kind of went from there,” Jackson wrote. “We never thought it would be as big as it’s become.”

Watch Alan Jackson perform “Chattahoochee” live at the Opry 100 in the video below.