Country Music Hitmaker, Rhett Akins Invited To Become Newest Grand Ole Opry Member
Photo Credit: © Grand Ole Opry, photos by Chris Hollo
Beloved, award-winning singer-songwriter Rhett Akins was surprised yesterday evening (June 28), as he was invited to officially become a member of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Fellow hitmaker and friend, Jon Pardi stepped onstage to share the news with Akins and the audience, offering a heartfelt invitation to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer.
“Rhett has always been somebody who has always been a mentor and taught a lot to me about how to write songs, how to be a co-writer. He has over 30 No. 1’s.” Turning to Akins, he continued, “You’ve always been family to me, but I’m here to invite you to be part of a different family. Rhett Akins I am here to invite you to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry,” said Pardi.
Watch Jon Pardi invite Rhett Akins to Join The Grand Ole Opry Family HERE.
Akins’ family joined him for the emotional moment onstage, with no dry eye in the house. With 36 No. 1 songs and counting, he’s no stranger to success, earning the Academy of Country Music’s first Songwriter of the Decade award in 2019 and Country Music Association’s Triple Play award seven times. Known for classic hits, “That Ain’t My Truck” and “Don’t Get Me Started,” Akins has continued to develop a diverse catalog of music throughout his 30+ year career.
“All I do everyday is write words and I can’t think of any words right now except, Thank you Lord Jesus. I have been listening to the Grand Ole Opry since I was a little kid with my grandparents. Watching it when it used to be on TNN. Anytime they’d ask me to play, if I was in Alaska, I’d fly home immediately. I love country music with all my heart and all I ever wanted to do was meet Hank Jr.. Meet George Strait. I never dreamed I’d be in this circle right here with Bill Monroe, Minnie Pearl, Roy Acuff, Garth and Alan…and Jon Pardi. This is just unbelievable.”
Stay tuned for his official induction date, occurring later this year.