Every country singer dreams of being asked to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. It’s something Ashley McBryde has certainly has been dreaming about for a long time.
As she once told the crowd during one of her Opry performances a year ago:
“I dream about joining the Opry and what that day will be like — Will I cry the entire time? Will I be seated? Who will ask me? I dream about that more than I dream about my wedding.”
Now, McBryde knows the answers to those questions. She did cry, she was seated, and Garth Brooks was the person who extended the invitation.
Brooks surprised McBryde by calling her from the Opry while she was a guest on CBS Mornings on Thursday (October 6). McBryde was on the program to speak about her new album, Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville.
As an Opry member for 32 years, Brooks knew the words he was about to say would remain with McBryde for the rest of her life. He started crying almost immediately, as he said:
“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…we would love for you to consider becoming the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.”
McBryde cried as she took a deep breath and paused for a moment to process what Brooks just said. When she was ready to speak, she said, “It would be the great joy and the great honor of my life, thank you Garth.”
McBryde went on to say:
“There’s the GRAMMYs and there’s being a member of the Grand Ole Opry – they are the two greatest things that can happen to you as an entertainer. I’ve always said I will earn it, and this is a pretty surreal moment.”
Brooks responded:
“There isn’t anybody in this family who hasn’t [earned it]. Cause it’s the love they show for the Opry, it’s the respect they show for country music. And try to remember, it is the longest living family in music history. So GRAMMYs, CMAs, 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.“
The moment was made all the more special because McBryde’s mom was there to see her receive her Opry invitation. They welcomed her onto the set so she and McBryde could celebrate together.
Head below to watch the emotional moment when Brooks asked McBryde to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Congratulations to her!