Anne Murray says she’s ‘nervous’ but wants the Jays to ‘win so badly’ at World Series

NASHVILLE — Anne Murray is keeping her expectations in check, but says she desperately wants the Toronto Blue Jays to win the World Series title.

The East Coast singer has been glued to her television screen in recent days, watching what she calls a “David and Goliath” showdown between the underdog Blue Jays and their formidable foes, the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The teams were tied 1-1 heading into Game 3 Monday night in L.A.

“It makes me nervous,” she confessed backstage in Nashville.

“I want them to win so badly.”

Murray is in Music City for a tribute concert to her career at the Opry House, the legendary venue that’s home to the Grand Ole Opry. The retrospective will feature performances by k.d. lang, Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood and others.

The “You Needed Me” performer has long held a connection to the Jays, even beyond her love of sports.

She sang O Canada at their very first home game in 1977 and again when the SkyDome (now Rogers Centre) opened in 1989. She also performed the anthem at Game 3 of the 1992 World Series, which the Jays won against the Atlanta Braves.

“I’ve been a Jays fan since the very beginning,” she assured.

But there’s something about the current lineup that Murray finds especially appealing.

“I love this particular team. I love the camaraderie … it’s great to watch,” she said.

“They work so hard, they dig deep, and they’re a deep team. So fingers crossed.”

Watching the baseball games at her home can be a colourful experience.

“Oh, I yell a lot — yes!” Murray said, raising her fists in the air to imitate a cheer.

“The problem is, you see, I’m in Nova Scotia, so the games don’t start till nine. And, I am not as young as I used to be. I can’t stay up too late. So, sometimes I miss the full game, but I get it the next morning.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 27, 2025.