Bill Anderson, a Country Music Hall of Famer and the Opry's longest-serving member, had the honor of extending the invitation to Evans, herself a distinguished winner of CMA and ACM Awards. He was joined by fellow Opry members Lady A and Carly Pearce for this unforgettable moment.
Sara Evans received a heartfelt invitation to join the prestigious Grand Ole Opry on a momentous Thursday evening during her packed performance at Nashville's renowned Ryman Auditorium.
Bill Anderson, a Country Music Hall of Famer and the Opry's longest-serving member, had the honor of extending the invitation to Evans, herself a distinguished winner of CMA and ACM Awards. He was joined by fellow Opry members Lady A and Carly Pearce for this unforgettable moment.
In an unexpected turn, Anderson posed the question, "Would you like to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry?" The surprise left Evans momentarily speechless, before she playfully responded, "No."
Amidst laughter, Anderson responded, "All day long. I said to myself, what would I say if you said no?"
Setting the jest aside, Evans joyfully accepted the offer, expressing her gratitude and excitement. "There is no way that I would say no. First of all, I’ve been waiting to be asked to join the Opry for a long time, and it’s always been a dream of mine, and I’m so honored that you’re here to ask me that question," she revealed to the elated crowd. "It means everything to me."
The occasion was elevated by the fact that Evans' Ryman performance commemorated the 20th anniversary of her platinum-selling album Restless, which earned an ACM nomination upon its release in August 2003. The album featured hits like "Backseat of a Greyhound Bus," "Perfect," and the chart-topping "Suds In The Bucket."
Sara Evans' formal induction into the Grand Ole Opry is scheduled for Saturday, October 7, marking a significant highlight during the Opry's 98th Birthday Weekend.
