Watch Dolly Parton surprise Carly Pearce with Grand Ole Opry member invite
A truly incredible moment
Dolly Parton has surprised Carly Pearce with one of country music’s most prestigious honours - an invitation to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry family!
On Thursday 17th June, Carly Pearce visited Dollywood in Tennessee to film what she thought as a promotional video for the legendary theme park.
The Grand Ole Opry posted the video last night (22nd June) of Carly waxing lyrical about Dollywood, which she has been visiting since the age of 5 before becoming a regular performer at the park in her teenage years.
In the clip, Carly says: “Being able to perform there was THE most amazing thing to be a teenager loving the park and just…”
While Carly was mid-sentence, the legend herself Dolly Parton appeared from the shadows to Carly’s astonishment.
With Carly clearly speechless and starstruck, Dolly mentioned that Carly had performed at the Grand Ole Opry more than 80 times, and joked “You should be a member of the Grand Ole Opry! What’s wrong with them?!”
With Carly still shocked, Dolly added: “Well I came here to tell you you are now an official member of the Grand Ole Opry!”
Visibly emotional, Carly breaks down in happy tears before hugging Dolly. You can watch the incredible moment in full below.
Watch Dolly Parton surprises Carly Pearce with Grand Ole Opry member invite:
Carly Pearce will be officially inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry at a ceremony on Tuesday 3rd August 2021.
Commenting on being invited to join the Opry family by Dolly, Carly said: “Dolly is not only one of America’s greatest living songwriters, vocalists, entertainers and superstars,” the Kentucky songstress gushed. “She represents all of the values country music holds for me. She has the grace of a woman in full, a heart that is all love, the grit to get it done, the courage to stand up for herself and just enough glitter to be everyone’s fairy godsister…
“And the Opry? It’s been the greatest love of my life since I was a young girl listening with my grandparents. All of the greatest writers, legends and pioneers have been on that stage, and I feel them in my bones anytime I walk in the stage door… To actually be asked to join the Opry family, there are no words.”
Dolly Parton said: “When one of ours has a special moment, it’s an honour to be part of that. Carly is a real songwriter and bright heart – and I loved getting to ask her to do something so very special.”
The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee is the ultimate country music stage and it has showcased the greatest established and up-and-coming country stars for 96 years.
Becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry is considered one of country music's crowning achievements. Dolly Parton was inducted as a Grand Ole Opry member in January 1969.
Seven inspiring Dolly Parton quotes:
"It's hard to be a diamond in a rhinestone world."
Dolly Parton performing in 1976.
"The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain."
Dolly on stage.
"You can be rich in spirit, kindness, love and all those things that you can’t put a dollar sign on. "
Dolly Parton on stage at Glastonbury Festival in 2014.
"You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try."
Dolly Parton and her Goddaughter Miley Cyrus on stage at the Grammy Awards in 2019.
"If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one."
Dolly Parton and her former partner and mentor Porter Wagoner, who she wrote her hit 'I Will Always Love You' about.
"Find out who you are and do it on purpose."
Dolly performing on stage at the UK Country Music Festival.
"Never leave a rhinestone unturned."
Dolly Parton in a publicity shot for the film 'Rhinestone' in 1984.
"Life is short, keep your dreams big and your hair bigger."
Dolly Parton co-hosting the 57th Academy Of Country Music Awards in March 2022.
"When it comes to music or hair, crank up the volume!"
Dolly performed at the Academy of Country Music Awards 2022.