CARLY PEARCE INVITED TO JOIN THE GRAND OLE OPRY BY DOLLY PARTON

CMA and double ACM Award winner, Carly Pearce has been surprised by Opry Member and Queen of Country Music, Dolly Parton with an invitation to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry family.

Although, the invite happened off the Opry stage late last week, the public announcement was held until Carly’s Opry appearance last night (22nd June) so she could experience the moment at her favorite place to be in front of a live Opry crowd.

Carly will be officially inducted on Tuesday 3rd August.

Photo Credit: Alexa Campbell

After the Dolly invitation video played for the packed Opry House the crowd stood in applause as Carly expressed: “Truly this is the most precious place and the most precious family I could ever be a part of. I’ve experienced so many wonderful things in my career so far, but this takes the cake!”

When the invitation was extended as seen in the video, Carly believed she was taping a promotion for the Dollywood theme park. But Dolly surprised her delivering the news with her signature enthusiasm and dazzle.

As Carly took her mark for the shoot, Dolly walked into the frame in ombre blue jeans and a white blouse, big smile on her face. After explaining she’d heard Carly was filming a promo for Dollywood, she continued chatting about how Carly had played the Opry over 80 times, joking: “You’d think they’d make you a member...”

Before Carly could respond, Dolly cracked an even bigger smile and said: “And they are! They’re asking you to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry!” Carly burst into tears, sobbed openly and hugged the woman.

“Dolly is not only one of America’s greatest living songwriters, vocalists, entertainers and superstars,” Carly gushed. “She represents all of the values country music holds for me. She has the grace of a woman in full, a heart that is all love, the grit to get it done, the courage to stand up for herself and just enough glitter to be everyone’s fairy godsister...”

“And the Opry? It’s been the greatest love of my life since I was a young girl listening with my grandparents. All of the greatest writers, legends and pioneers have been on that stage, and I feel them in my bones anytime I walk in the stage door... To actually be asked to join the Opry family, there are no words.”

“When one of ours has a special moment, it’s an honor to be part of that,” Dolly explained. “Carly is a real songwriter and bright heart – and I loved getting to ask her to do something so very special.”

For Carly who has played the Grand Ole Opry over 85 times, it was a moment she will never forget.

“Carly Pearce and the Opry have enjoyed a most special relationship since even before she made her Opry debut,” said Opry Executive Producer Dan Rogers. “We’ve loved every minute of watching her star grow over the past few years and are thankful she reveres the Opry after more than 80 appearances even more than she did on her first night with us. Every night she plays the Opry, I try to make my way back to her to thank her for taking the time to visit us. Every single time she replies, ‘It’s my favorite place to be.’ Here’s to the Opry being Carly’s favorite place to be for the rest of what will no doubt be a long, successful career.”

You can watch the full video via the Opry's twitter page here.