Marion Rhyno, 84

Meet Marion Rhyno, 84, from Nova Scotia.

For as long as her family can remember—over 75 years—Marion has dreamed of one day visiting the Grand Ole Opry.

From a young age, Marion found solace in the voices of Dolly Parton, Charley Pride, Hank Williams, and Hank Snow, clinging to their melodies during both joyful and difficult times. Even now, she treasures her vinyl records, playing them on a turntable her son gave her, as the music transports her back to simpler days.

Marion’s love for country music runs deep. She even volunteered with the Hank Snow Society of Nova Scotia, celebrating the legacy of one of her musical heroes. But life always had other priorities, and her dream of visiting the Opry remained just that—a dream. Her childhood was marked by hardship, growing up with an absent father, and later, facing similar struggles in her marriage. Despite these challenges, Marion raised four children with resilience and love, ensuring they had a home, food, and clothes, even if it meant sacrificing her own dreams. Now, reflecting on those years, she carries the weight of guilt, wondering if she had done enough.

With her husband having passed and her children grown, Marion finally had the chance to embrace a dream that had lived in her heart for a lifetime. However, her health has presented challenges—she lives with knee pain, hearing loss, high blood pressure, and heart-related issues. But none of that could diminish her spirit or her unwavering love for music. And with her granddaughter, Amanda, by her side, Marion was given the opportunity to experience something truly unforgettable.

Through We Are Young, Marion embarked on a trip to Nashville to visit the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium standing in the historic halls of country music's most legendary venues. A moment that once seemed impossible was now a reality. As she sat in the Opry, listening to the music she had adored for decades, she was overcome with emotion. Later, Marion said, "I’ve seen the pictures, and now I can relive it every time I look at them. It will be with me forever."

For someone who has given so much and asked for so little, this wish was more than just a journey to Nashville—it was a celebration of Marion’s strength, her love, and the enduring power of her dreams. Her family now reflects on the trip as a gift that created new, joyful memories to help soften the weight of the past. It serves as a powerful reminder that no matter the hardships we face, there is always room for joy and new beginnings.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made Marion's wish possible, ensuring she could finally experience the dream she had carried for more than 75 years.

Special Thanks: Ryman Auditorium, Grand Old Opry, Gray Line Transportation

Photography: David Duplessis Tennessee Photographs