Last original Kentucky Opry performer passes the microphone

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WYMT) – When the Billie Jean Osborne Kentucky Opry troupe joined forces in 1990, the plan was to create a stage for mountain musicians.

“I was one of the original members asked to perform around that time and we played throughout the community,” said Tony Whited. “We did a lot of political things; we did a lot of community things. Our main goal then was to try to get the Mountain Arts Center built .”

That mission was complete by 1996 when the Mountain Arts Center opened its doors in Prestonsburg.

“Billie Jean Osborne was the person who… this was her dream to start this. And she worked tirelessly. We wouldn’t be there- the Mountain Arts Center wouldn’t be there- if it wasn’t for her,” said Whited.

Whited took that mission on for himself as well, promoting the importance of the center’s entertainment and education for decades.

“We have music and we have concerts there and we have the Kentucky Opry, but it’s an educational center and that’s what’s really important to us,” he said.

“It was emotional,” he said. “I thought about the people that are no longer here and just the people I perform with. Just the great times that we had and the lives that we touched and the performances. It just brings so much pride.”

The career educator said his family and fellow musicians have been the most supportive and helpful pillars during his run, but it is time to move on to a new chapter.

The MAC honored Whited during his final performance, dedicating the hallway backstage in his honor and presenting him with a duplicate of the sign that read “Tony Whited Hallway.”

But Whited said his true legacy will remain the folks who are given a spotlight on the stage and use the space to keep arts on the front burner.

While many people have seen success by taking advantage of the space, through Junior Pros and other avenues, he said there is always an undiscovered talent waiting to take the stage. “You know, there’s more. They’re still there and they’re still coming up through the Mountain Art Center, through the Kentucky Opry program, the Junior Pros, and they’re developing,” he said. “My advice to them was to just be true to yourself. Keep working hard and, you know, just plug in to the Mountain Arts Center.”

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