Jon Pardi received a surprise invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry, with Alan Jackson contacting him via video during the singer’s set at the Stagecoach Festival on Friday.
An emotionally moved Pardi was seen trying to fight back tears as he watched the video.
“The Grand Ole Opry has always meant a whole lot to me and everyone in country music,” Jackson said in the video. “I’ve been appreciating your music ever since you were touring with me a few years ago. I get the honor to invite you in front of all your Stagecoach friends to be the first native of California to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry.”
Dan Rogers, Vice President and Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry, then placed the Opry’s famed microphone in front of Pardi.
“There’s a lot of history in this mic stand,” Rogers explained. “There’s a great future in this mic stand. Tonight is historic because not only, Jon, are you the first person ever invited to become a member at Stagecoach, he’s the first native Californian to ever be a member of the Grand Ole Opry.”
Pardi moved over to the mic to admit, “I didn’t see this one coming. I love you guys! I love California, baby!”
“I moved to Nashville chasing a dream at 22 years old, and now I’m here, and I love you guys, and I love country music!” he added, toasting the crowd with a bottle of tequila.
Several friends of Pardi, including Luke Combs, Raelynn and Natalie Hembry, took to social media to offer their congratulations.
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