In August, Trace Adkins surprised Dustin Lynch with an invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry. On Tuesday night, Reba McEntire made it official, inducting the Tullahoma, Tennessee, native as the newest member of the country music institution.
Introduced by Opry emcee Eddie Stubbs as “a household name in American entertainment,” McEntire appeared onstage during Lynch’s performance to present him with his Opry trophy.
“I know how you feel. Forty-one years ago yesterday was the first time I got to sing on this stage, September 17th, 1977,” McEntire, an Opry member since 1985, told Lynch. “What these folks have done for us, they have paved the way and now it’s our job to pave the way for… those who are watching us perform each night … Welcome to one of the best families in the world.”
An emotional, teary-eyed Lynch — McEntire rushed back to hand him some tissues — made a point to share the honor with his band members. “I gotta let my band guys touch this thing. Pass it around,” he said, handing off the award.
Lynch made his first Opry appearance in 2012. “This is one of those dreams right now,” he said. “Thank you for allowing us to live the dream.”
On Saturday, the “Good Girl” singer performed with the Roots as part of the Six Degrees to Tennessee Roots Jam in Memphis, a celebration of the state’s musical history. In October, Lynch will hit the road with Cole Swindell for the Reason to Drink…Another Tour.
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