Rhett Akins is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, a singer with a #1 hit and a songwriter with 36 No. 1 country hits for artists including Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton, and more, was surprised with an invitation to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry on Sunday night (June 27) by friend and Opry member Jon Pardi.
Pardi made his way to the Opry stage as Akins as finished his set, saying, “Rhett has always been somebody who has always been a mentor and taught a lot to me about how to write songs, how to be a co-writer. He has over 30 No. 1’s.” Turning to Akins, he continued, “You’ve always been family to me, but I’m here to invite you to be part of a different family. Rhett Akins I am here to invite you to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry.”
Akins and family (l to r): son Thomas Rhett; daughter Kasey Brandon, Akins, wife Sonya; son Brody, friend/artist rep Lisa Boullt.
Akins was visibly emotional as his wife and kids walked on stage, he ‘officially’ stepped foot back into the circle, knelt down in the circle in gratitude and said, “All I do everyday is write words and I can’t think of any words right now except, ‘Thank you Lord Jesus.’” He added, “I have been listening to the Grand Ole Opry since I was a little kid with my grandparents. Watching it when it used to be on TNN. Anytime they’d ask me to play, if I was in Alaska, I’d fly home immediately. I love country music with all my heart and all I ever wanted to do was meet Hank Jr.. Meet George Strait. I never dreamed I’d be in this circle right here with Bill Monroe, Minnie Pearl, Roy Acuff, Garth and Alan…and Jon Pardi. This is just unbelievable.”
Jon Pardi joined Akins in the post-show fan party in Studio A that turned into a celebration for his Opry invitation.
The celebration continued after the show in Opry House Studio A, where Pardi joined him for a medley of songs and a rousing performance of “Dirt On My Boots”, the song written by Akins, Jesse Frasure and Ashley Gorley which became Pardi’s second career No. 1 and one of his biggest hits to date. Later in his Studio A set, Akins welcomed his son Thomas Rhett, who collaborated on more hits including “What’s Your Country Song?” and the Merle Haggard classic “Misery and Gin.”
Thomas Rhett joined his dad in the post-show fan party in Studio A to celebrate his invitation to become an Opry member.
Akins will officially join the Opry family later this year on a date to be announced. Sign up HERE for updates and to be the first to know when the date is announced. The Opry’s Summer of the Century continues with special shows including America 250 celebrations and Jamey Johnson’s July 14 Birthday Bash show plus appearances by Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Hannah Harper, Niall Horan, Lady A, Tracy Lawrence, Dustin Lynch, Oak Ridge Boys, Carrie Underwood, and more. Tickets and information are available at opry.com.
