Kathy Mattea Surprised During Set With Opry Member Invite

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Kathy Mattea is invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Photo: © Grand Ole Opry, by Chris Hollo

Kathy Mattea was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night (Aug. 9) by Opry member Charlie McCoy.

McCoy surprised his long-time friend and fellow West Virginian Mattea onstage by turning off her speaker during her performance of her award-winning hit “18 Wheels and A Dozen Roses.” “I’m so sorry to interrupt,” McCoy said as he presented her with a dozen roses.  “I want to ask you a question. How would you like to be the next member of the Grand Ole Opry?”

Pictured (L-R): Opry’s Gina Keltner, Nicole Judd, Opry member Charlie McCoy, Kathy Mattea and Opry’s Dan Rogers. Photo: © Grand Ole Opry, by Chris Hollo

The four-time CMA Award winner, longtime Opry favorite and host of the Mountain Stage radio show gave an emotional and emphatic yes to the invitation, saying, “I just want to take this in and just remember this moment.”

“I’ve personally watched for nearly 30 years now as Kathy Mattea has brought such great songs, so much artistic integrity, and sheer joy to the Opry stage,” says Dan Rogers, Opry executive producer. “We all look forward to many more such performances in that circle she’ll call home.”

Mattea will officially join the Opry family on Oct. 11, and tickets are on sale now for the two-show Saturday night.

The Opry will celebrate two of its longtime members later this month on their milestone Opry anniversaries. On Aug. 20, the Opry will celebrate Connie Smith’s 60th Opry anniversary with performances by Smith, Marty Stuart, Dailey & Vincent, Sierra Ferrell, Vince Gill, Chris Janson, Old Crow Medicine Show and more. On Aug. 26, Pam Tillis will celebrate her 25th Opry anniversary alongside Suzy Bogguss, Russell Dickerson, Vince Gill, Jamey Johnson, Lorrie Morgan, Emily Ann Roberts and more.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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