Kathy Mattea Invited to Join the Grand Ole Opry

The Grand Ole Opry extended its latest invitation during the Saturday night broadcast on August 9th. The historic show featured performances by Kathy Mattea, Charlie McCoy, John Conlee, Mandy Barnett, Hayes Carll, Madeline Edwards, Gary Mule Deer, and Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers.

According to WSM Radio, this was the 5,197th live Saturday Night Grand Ole Opry broadcast.

A Surprise Invitation on Stage

During her performance, Kathy Mattea was unexpectedly interrupted by fellow Opry member Charlie McCoy, who walked on stage carrying a bouquet of roses.

Mattea stopped mid-song when she saw him. Laughing, she said:
“Oh! Charlie? You just turned my speaker off!”

McCoy then delivered the surprise of the night:
“I brought you a little something. But I want to ask you a question. How would you like to be the next member of the Grand Ole Opry?”

Mattea covered her mouth in shock before replying with an enthusiastic:
“Yes! Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, and thank you!”

The audience erupted in applause as Mattea stood in the iconic Opry Circle, receiving a standing ovation.

Later, she shared her excitement on social media, writing:
“WELL…. I just experienced a night I will never forget! Thank you Grand Ole Opry, for making ALL of us feel like family. And thank you to my friend, fellow West Virginian, and legendary musician, Charlie McCoy, for bearing roses and an invitation I am honored to accept!!!”

👉 Watch the video of Kathy Mattea’s Opry invitation below.

Who Is Kathy Mattea?

Kathy Mattea is a celebrated country and bluegrass singer from South Charleston, West Virginia. Over her career, she has charted more than 30 songs on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, including four No. 1 hits.

Her chart-topping singles include:

• “Goin’ Gone”

• “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses”

• “Come from the Heart”

• “Burnin’ Old Memories”

Her breakout hit “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses” won ACM Single of the Year and Song of the Year in 1988, as well as CMA Single of the Year.

In 1989, Mattea was named Female Vocalist of the Year by both the CMAs and ACMs. Her song “Where’ve You Been” won Song of the Year at the ACM Awards and also earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. She later won a second Grammy for her Christmas album Good News.

A Lifetime of Collaborations

Throughout her career, Kathy Mattea has collaborated with legendary artists including Dolly Parton, Alison Krauss, Michael McDonald, Tim O’Brien, Guy Clark, and her husband, Jon Vezner.

Official Opry Induction Date

Kathy Mattea will be officially inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday, October 11th.