Marty Stuart is speaking out about his upcoming induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. The 61-year-old will be inducted later this year, along with Dean Dillon and Hank Williams, Jr., fulfilling a dream he has held for much of his career.

“It is the ultimate honor in country music,” Marty said in a statement. “I’m so honored to be included in this class and I’m honored to be included alongside Hank Jr. and Dean Dillon. I love those people. To be officially inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame is beyond words. I’m usually not at a loss for words.”

Hank, Jr. says the induction is even more meaningful as he grieves the loss of his daughter, Katherine, who was killed in a car accident in June.

“Bocephus has been eyeing this one for awhile. It’s a bright spot during a difficult year,” he shared. “I have been making Top 10 records for 56 years. I fell off a mountain and tried to reinvent myself as a truly individual artist and one who stepped out of the shadows of a very famous man…one of the greatest. I’ve got to thank all those rowdy friends who, year after year, still show up for me. It’s an honor to carry on this family tradition. It is much appreciated.”

Dean, who has penned dozens of hit songs, including several for George Strait, admits he never expected to receive what is considered by many to be the highest achievement in country music.

“I was just speechless,” Dean acknowledged. “Trying to soak in the words that I had just heard. My life flashed before my eyes. You could’ve knocked me over with a feather.”

The announcement of the Country Music Hall of Fame inductees usually takes place inside the building’s stunning rotunda, along with a reception for the honorees. Due to COVID-19, the announcement was made online.

“In this, the most exclusive of music halls of fame, we now have three new deserving members,” Kyle Young, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Chief Executive Officer, said. “One is the son of one of American music’s greatest masters who became a self-made master of his own. One is a child of tough-town Mississippi who became a force for togetherness, inclusion and righteous musicality. And the third is an East Tennessee kid who triumphed over a hard youth to write words and melodies that have enriched us all. In a year of turmoil, strife and dissent, this announcement is something all of us can cheer.”

Details for the Medallion Ceremony, where the three men will be formally inducted, have yet to be announced.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the CMA / David McClister