Rascal Flatts Joins The Opry

They’ve already sold millions of records, had more than a dozen #1s, and played for millions of fans.  Now Rascal Flatts is part of country history, as the trio became the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry.  Lead singer Gary LeVox told the media backstage, “It is so humbling to carry the Opry flag.  There’s no higher pinnacle. Jay DeMarcus added, “one of the titles we’re most proud of is member of the Grand Ole Opry.”

The group was invited to join just two weeks ago by Hall of Famer Vince Gill.  The date of October 8th was set because it was Opry Birthday weekend.  The longest running radio show celebrated its 86th anniversary Saturday night.

The newest members were inducted by the Opry’s oldest member, Little Jimmy Dickens, who had been a part of the instutition for 63 years.  “You have witnessed the greatest night of our lives,” LeVox said to the crowd after Dickens had presented the group members with their Opry member awards.

Before the show, the group met with the media, where they were asked about the invitiation.  Gary LeVox said: “The Opry has had such a special place in our hearts, even before we were artists.  When Vince invited us a couple weeks ago, it was humbling, it was mindblowing.”  Jay said, “I actually saw Roy Acuff on the Opry in 1985.  It was summer vacation with my folks.  I’m so happy they’re here tonight.”  Joe Don added, “We’re just blown away by this, we can’t wait to see what the future has before us at the Opry.” 

The audience was filled with family and friends, as well as a large group of their fans.  “We’ve actually gotten a lot of gifts from members tonight.  Flowers, a candy basket from the Oak Ridge Boys, Carrie Underwood gave us picture frames.  Brad Paisley called us the next day.  Trace called and told us how proud he was.  But everybody’s been sweet.”

 

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