Thomas Rhett is speaking out about his father, Rhett Akins, becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Akins was invited to join on Sunday, June 28, as part of a special Opry show, celebrating ’90s country. Jon Pardi surprised Akins with the invitation.
“I don’t have many words except for the fact that my dad has had a dream to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry since he was boy,” Rhetts shares on social media. “He is a country music encyclopedia. There may be people out there that know it and have studied it extensively, but for people I know directly in my life, my dad knows it and loves it more than anyone I’ve ever known. He’s such a purist with music.
“He misses the days that people listened to records all the way through and didn’t just listen to the 20-second TikTok clip,” he continues. “He lives and breathes Hank Sr, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, and all the above. Dad, I’m so proud of you. I love you. You deserve this! Can’t wait to celebrate this huge accomplishment.”
In a video taken after Akins’ invitation, Rhett spoke with his father about the accomplishment.
“For what it’s worth, I’m beyond proud. That’s the coolest thing I’ve ever seen with my own two eyes,” Rhett said. “If you can dream it, it can happen.”
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What Rhett Akins Says About Becoming a Grand Ole Opry Member
After Pardi issued the invitation, Akins was understandably emotional.
“All I do every day is write words, and I can’t think of any words right now, other than ‘Thank you, Lord Jesus,’” Akins said. “I’ve been listening to the Grand Ole Opry since I was a kid with my grandparents, and watching it when it used to be on TNN, and playing here anytime they ask me. If I was in Alaska, and they asked me to play, I’d fly home immediately.
“I love country music with all my heart,” he continued. “I have since I was a kid. All I ever wanted to do was just meet Hank, Jr. Meet George Strait. Never dreamed that I would be here in this circle right here with Bill Monroe and Minnie Pearl and Roy Acuff and Garth [Brooks] and Alan [Jackson] and Jon Pardi. One of my best buddies in the music business. Jon, I love writing with you, pal. This is just unbelievable.”
Akins is the writer behind some of country music’s biggest hits, including Pardi’s “Dirt On My Boots,” Brantley Gilbert’s “What Happens In a Small Town,” Blake Shelton’s “Boys ‘Round Here,” “I Don’t Want This Night to End” by Luke Bryan, and others.
An induction date for Akins has yet to be announced.
Photo Credit: Grand Ole Opry / Chris Hollo