Tim McGraw is speaking out about his recent induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. McGraw was inducted on Sunday, October 18, along with Paul Overstreet and The Stanley Brothers.
“There are not enough words in my vocabulary to express the emotions during the HOF ceremony last night,” McGraw shares on social media, along with a video of some of the highlights of the evening. “The first word that comes to mind is gratitude. I am so grateful for country music and what it has given me in my life. Everything good in my life has come from this music we all love. I am so incredibly proud of my family, my team, and my friends old and new who were on hand to celebrate the incredible experience of last night.
“And to top it off, to have Randy Owen of Alabama to be the one to induct me and put the medallion around my neck,” he continues. “To hear Parker McCollum, Lady A and Lainey Wilson sing my songs, I am forever thankful to them. And most importantly, to you guys, the fans. Without ya’ll, it wouldn’t even exist. So much to say. So many thank yous, so many I love yous, that I owe so many folks. I am so incredibly fortunate.”
McCollum sang “Don’t Take The Girl,” while Lady A sang “Live Like You Were Dying,” and Wilson sang “Just to See You Smile.”
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What Tim McGraw Said During His Induction Into the Country Music Hall of Fame
McGraw took time during his speech to thank those who have supported him in his country music career, including Faith Hill, his wife of 30 years.
“You know the story. You know our story. But what you don’t know is, she is the most loving, compassionate, and best person I know,” McGraw said through tears. “She’s so solid, and I am more solid because of her. She is just the most beautiful person I know, inside and out, and she is for many, many reasons why I’m standing here. Faith, I love you. The only thing that could beat this night is when you’re standing here, and I’m sitting there.”
The Louisiana native also honored his three grown daughters, Gracie, Maggie, and Audrey.
“You are the best thing I ever made,” McGraw said. “Nothing in our careers even comes close. And I realize the gifts that come with having famous parents. And I also realize the price. You’ve paid it with Grace, and you’ve grown into women that I’m more proud of than any award or No. 1 single that I could ever have. I love you girls so much.”
During his speech, McGraw reflected on the significance of his arrival on May 9, 1989, the same day Keith Whitley unexpectedly passed away. It’s Whitley who inspired McGraw to pursue country music.
“Someday, I hope some kid pulls into town with everything they own in a suitcase, and a dream too big to fit in it,” McGraw says. “Maybe they’ll hear one of my songs on the radio. And I hope it tells them what I learned from Keith: getting here comes with a cost. But standing here tonight, in front of all of you and in front of all of my heroes that are on these walls, in this moment, man, it’s worth it.”
Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum