Congratulations are in order for the great Ashley McBryde, who is officially being inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.
After many years of hard work, touring and busting her ass more than just about anybody in Nashville, Ashley will join the hallowed halls of the Opry, amongst some of her heroes like the late Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton.
She appeared for what she thought was a regular TV segment on CBS Mornings in New York City to promote her phenomenal new concept album Lindeville, but when Garth Brooks popped up on camera from Nashville, she could tell something was up.
Garth jokingly told her he was there for a sort of proposal, and and true Garth fashion admitted he was trying not cry, saying:
“Miss Ashley, I am, but this is part of a family that keeps growing. You know where we’re at, we’re at the Grand Ole Opry. I’m standing in the circle of wood right now where you stand.
Miss Ashley McBryde, on behalf of the Opry and myself as an Opry member, I’m gonna try not to cry, we would love for you to consider becoming the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.”
Ashley was understandably very emotional, fighting through tears to accept the invitation:
“Um, it would be the great joy, and the great honor of my life. Thank you Garth. Goodness.”
As she tried to compose herself and stop crying, Garth told the hosts and audiences a little bit about what it means to be a member of the Opry as a country artist:
“It’s the longest living family in music history. You belong in it. We need you. You will make it stronger for decades to come. I love you. Congratulations, it couldn’t happen to a sweeter person.”
And Ashley added that this, along with winning a Grammy, is a lifelong dream she’s been working towards for years:
“This is a lifelong… I mean, this is, there’s Grammy’s, there’s being a member of the Grand Ole Opry are the two greatest things that could ever happen to you as an entertainer.
And I’ve always said I will earn it, and this is a pretty surreal moment.”
Of course, Ashley has earned every bit of all the success she’s seeing right now and so much more, and I couldn’t be more thrilled for her seeing this dream come true.
Garth also added that it is a massive accomplishment for any artist, and that no one gets a permanent spot in the Opry without earning it:
“100%, there isn’t anyone in this family who hasn’t. ‘Cuz it’s the love they share for the Opry, it’s the respect they share for country music.
And try to remember, it is the longest living family in music history. So Grammy’s, CMA’s, they’re all gonna fade.
This won’t, this will be until the day they put you in the ground. You will be part of the coolest show on the planet.”
Ashley was in tears, thanking Garth and trying to take it all in:
“Wow, what a morning. Thank you, Garth. I can’t wait to see you and hug you. Goodness gracious.”
Ashley’s one of the best artists in the genre right now, and it’s just so awesome that this is all happening for her. She is the textbook definition of a true badass.
Her mom also surprised her and came to be there for the announcement, which was, of course, the best part of all of it for Ashley and a really sweet moment:
Before receiving her Opry invitation, Ashley talked a little bit about her new record and how it all came together, as well as detailing a little bit more about her very scary horse accident that occurred earlier this year:
And here’s my early favorite from the new album right now, “Bonfire At Tina’s”:
