Jillian Cardarelli Celebrates Opry Debut

Jillian Cardarelli made her Grand Ole Opry debut last week (Oct. 27) during the 18th Annual Opry…

Cardarelli was introduced by Andrea Canning , NBC News correspondent and Dateline NBC journalist, who is a good friend of the artist. Additional performers on the lineup included Megan Moroney, Mandy Barnett, Mackenzie Carpenter, Deana Carter, Briley King and Benny G.

Her Opry debut held special significance as Cardarelli celebrated being cancer-free during an evening dedicated to breast cancer awareness and supporting those affected by the disease.

Earlier this summer, Cardarelli publicly shared her breast cancer diagnosis to encourage other young women to be proactive about their breast health. She underwent treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston while continuing to pursue her music and acting career. Despite the challenges, she continued recording and releasing music and traveled to Canada to film Season 2 of the Great American Family network series Crossroad Springs, in which she stars as Janie Carson, streaming now.

Jillian Cardarelli and Deana Carter. Photo: Lily Cruse