Country singer-songwriter Rhett Akins is set to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry after receiving a surprise invitation during the “Opry Celebrates ’90s Country” show in Nashville.

Fellow Opry member Jon Pardi interrupted the performance to deliver the invitation, praising Akins as both a mentor and prolific songwriter before telling him, “You’ve always been family to me, but I’m here to invite you to be part of a different family.” Akins, visibly emotional, responded, “I can’t think of any words right now except, ‘Thank you Lord Jesus.’”

Akins first found success as a recording artist in the 1990s with hits including “That Ain’t My Truck,” but he has become equally renowned in Nashville as one of country music’s most accomplished songwriters. A member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, he has written or co-written 36 No. 1 country singles for artists including Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan and his son, Thomas Rhett. Pardi noted that Akins had played a significant role in helping shape his own songwriting career, describing him as a longtime mentor and collaborator.

Akins will officially become a member of the Grand Ole Opry on his birthday, Tuesday, October 13th.  Among the artists who will perform in his honor include his son, Thomas Rhett, as well as Luke Bryan, Jamey Johnson and Pardi.

For ticket information, head HERE.

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