Grand Ole Opry Announces First New Member of 2019

Photos by Chris Hollo for the Grand Ole Opry

Grand Ole Opry Announces First New Member of 2019

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

Blogs

FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2025

A new “Air Bud” movie is in the works, and expected to hit theaters next summer.  It’s called “Air Bud Returns”. New in Theaters:  “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” TV This Weekend:  “Happy Gilmore 2” he world lost an ’80s icon yesterday when Hulk Hogan passed away.  But did you know that he and Dolly…

WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 2025

75-year-old Stevie Wonder isn’t going anywhere.  He says, quote, “For as long as you breathe, for as long as your heart beats, there’s more for you to do . . . as long as you let your mind work, you don’t have to retire.” Riley Green played the York State Fair in Pennsylvania on Sunday…