Lainey Wilson‘s biggest dream came true earlier this month, when she was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. For Wilson, the achievement is something she dreamed about for more than 20 years, a dream that was fulfilled on June 6, when, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood inducted her as the newest Opry member.
“When I was nine years old is when I wrote my first song, and when I came to the Grand Ole Opry for the very first time,” the 32-year-old said at a recent media event. “I remember exactly where I was sitting, and I remember who played. It was Jeannie Seely, Bill Anderson, Crystal Gayle, Phil Vassar. And I remember looking at that circle thinking, ‘I’m gonna do that. I’m gonna stand up there.'”
Wilson has already accomplished more than most artists, accumulating several awards over the last two years, including a Grammy Award, and both the ACM and CMA Award for Entertainer of the Year. Still, even those achievements pale in comparison to Wilson being an official Grand Ole Opry member.
“Out of all of the accolades and everything that has happened, and the year before that too, this is the biggest honor, the biggest honor of my life,” Wilson said. “Being able to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry, it’s just a community of people that I’ve dreamed about being a part of that community. These are the people who paved the way for folks like me to do what we’re doing right now.”
The “Hang Tight Honey” singer was invited to join by Reba McEntire, while performing as part of the Season 25 finale of The Voice. Prior to her induction, Wilson spoke about the milestone moment, which she was able to share with those closest to her.
“It’s hard to wrap your head around it,” Wilson admitted. “My family is here tonight … I have the whole town of Baskin and Franklin Parish here. The people who supported me before I found the support here in Nashville. It just feels like a big, full-circle moment for me. From a very early age, I wanted to play here. I wanted to come here, then I wanted to play here, then I wanted to be a member.
“And it feels like I’ve taken a million steps to get here, but it also feels like one big giant leap, and I think the leap is really just a leap of faith, so I’m very excited and honored,” she added.
During her induction, Wilson reflected on her winding path that led her to becoming an Opry member.
“Tonight, it feels like the biggest night of my life,” Wilson said from the famous stage. “We’ve had a crazy couple of years, and all of the awards and everything. But this right here is the highest honor for me. It feels like that stamp of approval from everyone that has stood right here, and it just lights another fire under my butt.”
Find all of Wilson’s music and upcoming shows at LaineyWilson.com.
Read ‘Lainey Wilson: 11 Things to Know About Her Extraordinary Life and Career’ here.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Schmidt Relations / Chris Hollo and Everything Nash