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Ashley McBryde will officially become a member of the Grand Ole Opry next month.
The country singer-songwriter’s induction is set for December 10, happening during a special two-show evening, the Grand Ole Opry announced on Tuesday (November 1).
McBryde received the news during an emotional moment on CBS Mornings, shortly after releasing her latest album, Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville. Country music icon Garth Brooks delivered the heartwarming surprise, appearing by video from the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee.
“It would be a great joy and a great honor of my life. Thank you,” McBryde tearfully replied when Brooks asked her if she would become the newest Opry member. She added later that she’s “always said I will earn it, and this is a pretty surreal moment,” explaining that winning GRAMMY Awards and becoming an Opry member were two of the greatest career highlights as an entertainer (which she always looked forward to earning).
The day Brooks asked McBryde to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry also marked his own 32nd anniversary of becoming a member. The honor also puts McBryde in the same league as other iconic artists whose music spans decades, including Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, Trace Adkins, Loretta Lynn, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Carly Pearce and many other Opry members.
See the Grand Ole Opry’s announcement of McBryde’s induction date here: