Realizing a lifelong dream, country star Dustin Lynch has been invited to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Opry member Trace Adkins made the special surprise invitation Tuesday night (8/21) during Lynch’s performance, telling him, “Being a member of the Grand Ole Opry is at the top of my list of achievements in my career and always will be. We want people to be members of the Grand Ole Opry that will have a respect for this institution that it deserves, that it has earned for 92 years.” Adkins added, “We think that Dustin Lynch is going to carry on in that proud tradition, and we’re glad to have you.”
“I can’t even talk cause I’m gonna start crying,” a stunned Lynch told the crowd. “I’ve got my family here tonight and a lot of my team members – a lot of guys and girls that are responsible for getting me on this stage for the very first time, getting my music played at Country radio and all over the world now, and I wanna say we would not be here if it wasn’t for you. Thank you guys so much. A lot of things have happened over the past six years, but it started with that last song we just played. ‘Cowboys and Angels’ was the very first song I got to play on the Grand Ole Opry – March 2, 2012 – I’ll never forget that day. I wanna say Mom and Dad, thank you so much. I’m glad you came tonight. We have so much to celebrate. I’m gonna attempt to sing a song with a frog in my throat and tears in my eyes.”
Equally surprised were Lynch’s parents – who have attended every one of his Opry performances to date – who were on hand to share in the emotional moment, cheering on his career milestone from their seats in front of the stage.
A friend to the Opry over the years, Lynch has stepped into the six-foot circle on the Opry’s center stage numerous times as he’s released three Top 5 albums and five consecutive #1 singles, earning PLATINUM level certifications. He is set to be formally inducted as an Opry member on Sept. 18.
This indelible honor comes as the latest pinnacle moment for Lynch, who has proven himself as one of the genre’s brightest stars. One of the most-played artists of 2017, he topped the charts for four consecutive weeks with his PLATINUM-certified smash “Small Town Boy,” penned by Kyle Fishman, Ben Hayslip, and ACM Songwriter of the Year Award winner Rhett Akins. His new single “Good Girl” – which Lynch surprise-released at this year’s iHeartCountry Festival and performed at CMA Fest – is climbing the charts.
Lynch will perform tonight (8/22) at the ACM Honors ceremony at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. He’s also set to hit the road with co-headliner Cole Swindell and special guest Lauren Alaina for the REASON TO DRINK…ANOTHER TOUR beginning Oct. 4 in Tuscaloosa, AL.
