DIY to the Rescue, the DIY Network series known for teaching homeowners how to address their home improvement dilemmas, is coming to the home of country – Nashville's Grand Ole Opry – to help celebrate eight decades of music with a backstage makeover. The network dedicated to do-it-yourselfers and home improvement documents the transformation of four dressing rooms at country music’s No. 1 attraction in a one-hour primetime special, DIY to the Rescue: Grand Ole Opry, premiering Sunday, Oct. 7 at 9 p.m. ET.
DIY experts, Karl Champley and Amy Devers, team up with Nan Kelley of the sister network, Great American Country, and artists Trace Adkins, Keith Anderson, Little Jimmy Dickens, Hal Ketchum, Lorrie Morgan, Jamie O’Neal, Jimmy Wayne, Chris Young, and Diamond Rio, who all pick up paint brushes and hammers, instead of microphones and guitars. Other notables, such as Bill Anderson, Rodney Atkins, Dierks Bentley, Terri Clark, Jennifer Hanson, Craig Morgan, Pam Tillis, Josh Turner, and Emerson Drive, also stop by to share their thoughts on the history of the respected institution.
The popular home improvement show that traditionally saves homeowners from project dilemmas strikes a new chord with is renovation of four of the Opry’s dressing rooms centered around four themes: Women of the Opry, Songwriters & Lyrics, Honky-Tonk/Rhinestone, and Roy Acuff – the country music legend recognized as the patriarch of the Opry. The results reflect the rich traditions of the Opry and give the popular establishment well-deserved upgrades in amenities: vanities, countertops, sinks, flooring/carpeting, lighting and furniture. The renovations took place earlier in the year.
In addition to the actual renovations, the one-hour special presentation showcases Opry memorabilia, legendary stories and rare footage—while celebrating what’s new, hot and relevant in country music today.
“We are thrilled to team up with the Grand Ole Opry on this project and very excited that so many of country’s best wanted to participate,” said Kathleen Finch, general manager of DIY Network. “The renovated rooms provide inspirational and welcoming areas for the country music artists who perform there and unforgettable moments to audiences of all ages.”
During the renovations, Terri Clark offered a few painting tips to DIY to the Rescue, “I love color. I love really warm, sort of, darker browns, and plum colors.” She also put in a request for a cozy environment. “I always paint the ceilings in my houses, the same color as the walls, and if there’s crown molding, it pops right out. It’s amazing!”
Trace Adkins also shared his thoughts about Roy Acuff’s dressing room door, “You ought to just take it off the hinges, cause Mr. Acuff’s policy was the door was never closed. That would be cool, just take it off!” Dierks Bentley adds, “The traditions of country music are locked within this building.”
To honor the Opry’s 82nd birthday, DIY Network will show encore presentations of DIY to the Rescue: Grand Ole Opry throughout “Opry Month” in October: Monday, Oct. 15 at 10 p.m. ET and Tuesday, Oct. 23 at 10 p.m. ET. For more information on DIY to the Rescue, DIY Network’s experts, tips, and home improvement programs, visit the network’s award-winning companion Web site at www.DIYnetwork.com. DIY Network is available nationwide on DISH Network Ch. 111 and DirecTV Ch. 230. For cable channel designations, check local listings or visit www.diynetwork.com/tv.
