Scotty McCreery marked a major career milestone during a heartfelt moment in Nashville, Tennessee, surrounded by his family and country legends on the historic Grand Ole Opry stage.
McCreery said it was “truly a dream come true,” after his induction into the Opry over the weekend. The North Carolina-born singer-songwriter said he’s “always revered the {Opry] for its deep history, tradition, and what it’s meant to country music. I hoped one day, through a lot of hard work, I would one day be considered worthy of joining their amazing family. Last night that dream became reality.”
The “It Matters To Her” star posted several photos from his induction on Instagram on Sunday (April 21), including heartwarming snapshots with his wife, Gabi McCreery, and son, Merrick Avery McCreery, who was born in October 2022. McCreery’s photos also included artists Josh Turner, Randy Travis, Bill Anderson and others.
“He’s a great man, husband, and now father. I’m proud of him,” Turner said of McCreery during an emotional moment on the Opry stage. “I’m proud to know him, and I’m proud that he’s filling the shoes of those that have gone before him. With artists like him, country music is in great shape. Scotty, it’s my distinct honor to say congratulations on officially becoming the newest member of the world famous home of country music, the Grand Ole Opry.”
McCreery received his surprise invitation to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry in December, when Garth Brooks, unbeknownst to McCreery, appeared on stage with a large wrapped gift with a red bow. Brooks said at that time, “a Christmas present to the Grand Ole Opry. …We would love for Scotty McCreery to be the newest member of the (Grand Ole Opry).”
“Holy cow,” McCreery exclaimed, in part, when he responded. “Yes, I would love to, first and foremost. …When I got started doing this young, people said, ‘what’s your goals?’ And I said, ‘one day I’d like to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry.’”
The American Idol alum said shortly afterward that it “still doesn’t feel real,” to receive his invitation to become an Opry member.
McCreery is due to release his fifth full-length studio album next month. The 12-track project will include “Cab In A Solo,” “Can’t Pass The Bar,” “Slow Dance” and other highlights. Rise & Fall will follow Same Truck, Seasons Change, See You Tonight and Clear As Day. It’s slated to make its debut on May 10.