Crystal Gayle has become the next songstress invited to be an official member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Those with the Opry said Gayle was surprised during her performance Tuesday evening by Carrie Underwood who announced the invitation.
The formal induction ceremony for Gayle has been scheduled to take place on January 21, 2017. Gayle will be inducted by her sister and Opry legend, Loretta Lynn.
Gayle originally debuted with the Opry around 50 years ago at the Ryman Auditorium where she sang the classic “Ribbon of Darkness.” She was 16 when she made that debut.
Underwood added to the surprise by joining Gayle Tuesday evening for the performance of “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue.”
After the duet, Underwood said to Gayle, “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.”
“I have always felt like I was a member of the family and this is just so special,” Gayle said.
“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.”
Anyone wanting tickets to the induction night for Gayle can learn more by clicking here.
For more information on Gayle, her life, and her music, click here.
