Photos by Chris Hollo for the Grand Ole Opry

Grand Ole Opry Announces First New Member of 2019

by Jim Casey | @TheJimCasey | December 26, 2018

Longtime fan-favorite Mark Wills will be the newest addition to the Grand Ole Opry.

Mark was invited by Vince Gill to join the venerable organization during his performance on Dec. 21.

Vince surprised Mark with the invitation, saying, “We at the Opry would like to ask you to become the next member of the Grand Ole Opry. This boy has been the greatest supporter and proponent of what the Opry stands for.”

After hearing the news, Mark dropped to his knees before rising to his feet and saying through tears, “I would love to be the next member of the Grand Ole Opry.”

Mark, whose formal Opry induction will take place on Jan. 11, has earned eight Top 10 hits since launching his career in 1996, including “19 Something,” “Wish You Were Here” and “Don’t Laugh at Me.”

Watch Vince surprise Mark with the invitation to join the Opry.

photo by Chris Hollo for the Grand Ole Opry; Video courtesy of the Grand Ole Opry

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