Crystal Gayle Invited To Join Grand Ole Opry

Carrie Underwood invites Crystal Gayle to join the Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry

After making her Grand Ole Opry debut nearly 50 years ago, Crystal Gayle will soon join officially join as the country music institution’s newest member. She was invited to join on Tuesday evening (Nov. 15) by Opry member Carrie Underwood.

Underwood surprised Gayle by joining her onstage at the Ryman Auditorium as Gayle performed her classic, “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue,” before extending the invitation.

“You are an inspiration to so many of us. You are important to country music, and you are important to the Opry, which is why I was asked tonight to ask you if you would like to join our Opry family officially,” Underwood said.

Of course, Gayle said yes. Accepting her friend’s invitation with a hug, Gayle said, “I have always felt like I was a member of the family and this is just so special.”

Pictured (L-R): Steve Buchanan, President, Opry Entertainment, Bill Gatzimos, Crystal Gayle, Carrie Underwood, Pete Fisher, VP/GM Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Chris Hollo for the Grand Ole Opry

“For more than half of the Opry’s 91 years, Crystal Gayle has been lending her signature vocals to Opry shows and connecting with Opry audiences as well as with everyone backstage,” said Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher. “She is family, and we are very excited that she’ll become an official Opry member early next year.”

Gayle will be officially inducted by her sister, Opry legend Loretta Lynn, during the Opry’s Jan. 21 show, which is also slated to be held at the Ryman Auditorium. Gayle made her first Opry appearance on the Ryman auditorium at age 16, when she sang the classic, “Ribbon of Darkness.”