News
Rascal Flatts Inducted Into Grand Ole Opry During 86th Birthday Bash On GAC
October 8, 2011Rascal Flatts was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry family this evening by Opry member Little Jimmy Dickens. Gary, Jay, and Joe Don also helped celebrate the Opry’s 86th birthday during the Opry’s Birthday Bash celebration which aired live on GAC. Footage of the induction can be seen at opry.com.
Prior to taking the stage, LeVox said, “it is so humbling to carry the Opry flag. There’s no higher pinnacle.”
DeMarcus added, “one of the titles we’re most proud of is member of the Grand Ole Opry.”
Rooney, meanwhile, said he began to reflect on Opry membership after a conversation with his dad earlier in the day. “I remember when I was growing up, I would watch the Grand Ole Opry on TV. He remembers when he was growing up listening to it on the radio. Now here we are in the year 2011 watching and listening online. … We are humbled by this and can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us and the Grand Ole Opry. … Tonight is a great platform from which to set sail.”
The group was surprised by a congratulatory video message from President George W. Bush. “We are big fans of Gary, Jay, and Joe Don,” he said, speaking on behalf of himself and former first lady Laura Bush. “We love their music, and we also love their compassion and generosity. Throughout their success, Rascal Flatts have given back to their community and to our country by supporting the Make A Wish Foundation, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, and the American Red Cross. I am especially proud of their efforts to honor the men and women of our armed forces, and the heroes who are wounded on the front lines. So thanks for your example of excellence and patriotism. And congratulations as well as a hardy welcome to the Opry.”
“You have witnessed the greatest night of our lives,” LeVox said to the crowd after Dickens had presented the group members with their Opry member awards.
Opry General Manager Pete Fisher, Opry member Little Jimmy Dickens, Joe Don Rooney, Gary LeVox and Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts
Gary, Jay and Joe Don adding their names to Opry member wall
Photo credit: Chris Hollo
More News
- May 25, 2023 Memorial Day Sale In The Rascal Flatts Online Store
- August 25, 2022 GARY LEVOX RELEASES NEW SONG “GET DOWN LIKE THAT”
- July 11, 2022 RASCAL FLATTS FEATURED ON POSITIVE VIBRATIONS’ NEW ALBUM “COUNTRY GOES REGGAE”
- May 26, 2022 NEW EP “HOT IN HERE SUMMER SONGS 2010-2019” AVAILABLE NOW
- February 10, 2022 NEW EP “LOVE SONGS 2010-2019” AVAILABLE NOW
- January 28, 2022 JAY DEMARCUS ANNOUNCES NEW LABEL, RED STREET COUNTRY, AND FIRST SIGNED ARTIST, RYAN GRIFFIN
- June 15, 2021 RASCAL FLATTS TO BE HONORED WITH CLIFFIE STONE ICON AWARD AT ACM HONORS
- May 21, 2021 GARY LEVOX’S DEBUT EP “ONE ON ONE” OUT NOW
- May 1, 2021 CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ALL ACCESS MAY FAN OF THE MONTH
- April 30, 2021 GARY LEVOX ANNOUNCES DEBUT SOLO EP “ONE ON ONE”
Want to leave a comment?