Bush’s Beans Spokes-Dog, Duke, Makes History with Debut at Grand Ole Opry

Multi-platinum selling singer/songwriter and Opry member Lauren Alaina announced Duke’s debut, officially kicking off Bush’s Beans partnership with the Grand Ole Opry

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (October 3, 2022) - Duke, Bush’s® beloved spokes-dog, made his historic debut at the Grand Ole Opry, following in the pawsteps of only one other, Lassie in 2006. To celebrate this momentous partnership, Tennessee-based Bush’s Beans teamed up with multi-platinum selling singer/songwriter and Opry member, Lauren Alaina, who announced Duke’s Opry debut ahead of her performance on Friday, September 30.

“It was an absolute honor to introduce Duke for his Opry debut to kick off Bush’s partnership with the Grand Ole Opry,” said Opry member, Lauren Alaina. “One of my fondest memories growing up were our family dinners with my Pawpaw, who always had to have his side dish of Bush’s Beans.”

Through this unique partnership, Bush’s and the Grand Ole Opry are putting the beautiful bean front and center for country music lovers. Visitors can now enjoy a delicious meal, featuring Bush’s Baked Beans, at the Opry Back Porch BBQ Food Truck that’s conveniently located in the Opry Plaza. It’s the perfect complement to Nashville’s iconic food scene that allows visitors to experience more of Tennessee’s famous foods. In addition to the food truck in the Opry Plaza, the Bush’s/Opry partnership includes messaging in Opry broadcasts, other Opry audience activations, and fan sweepstakes.

“We’re proud to partner with a fellow Tennessee-based organization, the Grand Ole Opry, to bring more joy and good times to our shared home state and country fans across the U.S.” said Stephen Palacios, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Innovation at Bush’s.  “Country music and beans are a classic pairing and we’re honored to continue the tradition.”

“Thanks to Duke and Lauren for helping us kick off what will no doubt be a meaningful partnership for both our brands and fans,” said Sean Lupton, Vice President, Brand Partnerships, Opry Entertainment Group. “Here’s to the future. Duke, as the Opry says to artists following their Opry debuts, ‘now you have to come back.’”

Bush’s is also offering bean lovers the chance to experience the best country duo in Tennessee first-hand: Bush’s Beans and the Grand Ole Opry! From October 3 – October 21, fans can enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win a VIP Grand Ole Opry experience for two, including tickets to see the show of their choice with a special call out, a behind-the-beans experience with backstage daytime tour passes (hotel + airfare included), and a delicious meal from the Opry Back Porch BBQ Food Truck. Because we know that nothing pairs better with country music than Bush’s Beans. For official contest rules, visit: https://www.opry.com/bushs-beautiful-opry-sweepstakes/.

About Bush's^®
Bush's^® is That Beautiful Bean Co.—a quality-obsessed, family-owned business since 1908. We believe in the goodness of the humble bean, a food that's equally good for humans and the earth. When you enjoy our beans, you can trust that they're the very best because we wouldn't serve your family anything less. Since we got our start more than 110 years ago in Chestnut Hill, Tenn., Bush's has always maintained that quality is the best policy. We pursue excellence and exceptional taste in our beans, sauces and everything we do. That's why, from mouthwatering Baked Beans to Chili Beans to our newest Sidekicks, you're cooking up the best with Bush's.

For more information about BUSH'S^®, visit www.bushbeans.com.

About Duke
Duke has been BUSH'S^® spokes-dog since 1995 when he first appeared in a BUSH'S commercial alongside his good friend Jay Bush, great-grandson of BUSH'S founder, A.J. Bush. He continues spending his days as BUSH'S spokes-dog, appearing in commercials, on social media, and meeting consumers.

About Opry Entertainment Group:
Rooted in the unparalleled country music history of the Grand Ole Opry, Opry Entertainment Group produces multi-platform entertainment experiences through its growing portfolio of entertainment brands, including the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, the iconic Ryman Auditorium, WSM Radio, the Blake Shelton-inspired Ole Red brand, Circle Network and ACL Live at The Moody Theater. Through concerts, tours, music inspired restaurants, retail, publishing, digital content, and more, Opry Entertainment Group connects millions of music fans to the artists they love through experiences they’ll never forget. Opry Entertainment Group is a subsidiary of Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.

About Lauren Alaina:
Grand Ole Opry member and multi-Platinum-selling singer/songwriter/best-selling author Lauren Alaina has earned three No. 1 hit singles in just under three years with “Road Less Traveled” (2017), the now 7x Platinum “What Ifs” (2018) with superstar Kane Brown, and “One Beer” (2020) with HARDY. Alaina and label-mate Big Loud Platinum-selling artist Chris Lane released a duet “Dancin’ In The Moonlight” earlier this summer. Her current No. 1 debuting album Sitting Pretty On Top of The World includes her RIAA-certified Gold-selling “Getting Good.” The Georgia native’s inspirational book, Getting Good at Being You: Learning to Love Who God Made You to Be, was the #1 New Release on two of Amazon’s sales charts in its first week of release and her second career headlining tour, On Top Of The World Tour Presented By Maurices which wrapped earlier this year included multiple sell-outs. The rising superstar has performed on some of the highest-profile stages in the world including national television performances on PBS’s A Capitol Fourth, Dancing with the Stars, American Idol, Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day halftime performance, MLB’s World Series national anthem (Game 5, 2021), Tonight Show, and many more including a performance at the White House for President Obama for a PBS special.

Media Contact:
Nia Morgan | 650-862-5209
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