Jamey Johnson has been invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry, with Opry member Bill Anderson surprising Johnson with the invitation at the close of a writer’s round featuring Anderson, Johnson, and songwriter/producer Buddy Cannon.

During the show, the artists performed songs such as the smash “Give It Away,” which became a No. 1 for George Strait, “Everybody Wants To Be Twenty-One,” and “Cheaper Than A Shrink.”  After their final song Anderson said: “Jamey, you made your Opry debut 17 years ago and you’ve been a frequent guest many times. But Opry management told me to tell you that this is going to be your last guest appearance…The next time you appear on this stage you will be the newest member of our Opry cast and family!”

Johnson replied: “I accepted it 20 years ago! I really don’t know what to say except the obvious. I love country music. I would have never moved here if it wasn’t for that; for the Opry keeping it alive and for the fans. I love you. Thank you.”

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