Dolly Parton Invites Carly Pearce to Join the Grand Ole Opry
This is the pinnacle of all surprises!
It’s a dream she’s had since she was a little girl – to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Carly Pearce will be the next inductee into the famed institution after being invited by her inspiration, Dolly Parton.
When backstage at the Opry House, Pearce was under the impression that she was there filming a video about her time performing at Dollywood. If you know Pearce’s backstory, you know that she moved from Kentucky as a teenager to perform at the famous theme park, and started what is sure to be a long-lasting career in country music. After several years there, the songstress moved to Nashville, TN and worked for years before breaking out with her smash hit “Every Little Thing.”
In the middle of talking about her memories of performing in Dollywood, Pearce was surprised by none other than Parton herself. The astonishment of the “9 to 5″ singer was more than enough to overwhelm the singer, but it’s what Parton said next that really got the tears flowing.
“I just want you to know how proud I am of you,” she said, gripping Pearce’s hand. “Did you know she started singing at Dollywood when she was 16 years old? And I know that they told me that you have been on the Grand Ole Opry 80 times… you’ve performed? How’d you do that? 80 times?”
“Oh my goodness, I’m just trying to follow in your footsteps,” quipped a still shocked Pearce.
“Then you should be a member of the Grand Ole Opry. What’s wrong with them?” joked Parton, before revealing the real reason she was there in person. “Well, I came here today to tell you that you are now a member of the Grand Ole Opry! It’s official, it’s official!”
Parton then wished her 50 years of success, much like she’d seen herself over the years, then joked that Pearce should get back to filming her Dollywood video.
“Dolly! Are you guys serious?” a shocked Pearce exclaimed before turning from the camera to let the news soak in.
Pearce will officially become a member of the Opry on August 3, 2021.
