Rhett Akins Grand Ole Opry Induction: October 13 Date & Lineup

Thomas Rhett, Luke Bryan, Jon Pardi, and Jamey Johnson will help celebrate Rhett Akins as he officially joins the Grand Ole Opry on October 13, 2026.

Written by Amanda Tempel

Date Published: June 29, 2026

Last Updated: September 3, 2026

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Rhett Akins will officially become a Grand Ole Opry member on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 — his birthday.

The ACM Songwriter of the Decade and writer of 36 No. 1 country hits will be joined for the milestone night by his son Thomas Rhett, Luke Bryan, Jon Pardi, and Jamey Johnson, with additional artists still to be announced.

Akins will become the fifth artist inducted into the Grand Ole Opry during its centennial celebration.

Rhett Akins Grand Ole Opry Induction: Quick Details

Induction Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Show Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville
Inductee: Rhett Akins
Scheduled Artists: Thomas Rhett, Luke Bryan, Jon Pardi, and Jamey Johnson
Who Invited Rhett Akins: Jon Pardi
Invitation Date: June 28, 2026

When Is Rhett Akins’ Grand Ole Opry Induction?

Rhett Akins will be inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, during a 7 p.m. show at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.

The date carries extra significance for Akins because October 13 is also his birthday.

His induction is part of the Opry’s centennial celebration, and Akins will become the fifth artist inducted during the celebration. Jelly Roll, Suzy Bogguss, Steve Earle, and Kathy Mattea were previously welcomed as members during Opry 100.

Who Is Performing at Rhett Akins’ Grand Ole Opry Induction?

Thomas Rhett, Luke Bryan, Jon Pardi, and Jamey Johnson are currently scheduled to join Rhett Akins for his Grand Ole Opry induction on October 13.

Additional performers are expected to be announced ahead of the show.

Several members of the lineup also have songwriting connections to Akins. He has written hits recorded by Thomas Rhett and Luke Bryan and co-wrote Jon Pardi’s “Dirt On My Boots” with Jesse Frasure and Ashley Gorley. The song became Pardi’s second career No. 1.

Is Rhett Akins a Grand Ole Opry Member?

Rhett Akins has been invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry, but his membership will become official when he is inducted on October 13, 2026.

Opry member Jon Pardi surprised Akins with the invitation during an Opry performance on June 28.

Jon Pardi Surprises Rhett Akins With Grand Ole Opry Invitation

Pardi slipped into the Opry House under the radar in June and made his way to center stage as Akins finished his set.

“Rhett has always been somebody who has always been a mentor and taught a lot to me about how to write songs, how to be a co-writer. He has over 30 No. 1’s,” Pardi said.

Turning to Akins, he continued, “You’ve always been family to me, but I’m here to invite you to be part of a different family. Rhett Akins I am here to invite you to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry.”

The moment became even more emotional as Akins’ wife and children walked onto the stage. Akins stepped back into the famous Opry circle, knelt down in gratitude and said, “All I do everyday is write words and I can’t think of any words right now except, ‘Thank you Lord Jesus.’”

He added, “I have been listening to the Grand Ole Opry since I was a little kid with my grandparents. Watching it when it used to be on TNN. Anytime they’d ask me to play, if I was in Alaska, I’d fly home immediately. I love country music with all my heart and all I ever wanted to do was meet Hank Jr.. Meet George Strait. I never dreamed I’d be in this circle right here with Bill Monroe, Minnie Pearl, Roy Acuff, Garth and Alan…and Jon Pardi. This is just unbelievable.”

Akins Celebrates With Fans, Jon Pardi, and Thomas Rhett

Following the show, Akins continued the celebration with a special post-show party with fans in Opry House Studio A. Pardi joined him for a medley of songs and a performance of “Dirt On My Boots.”

Akins also welcomed his son, Thomas Rhett, during the Studio A set. The father and son have collaborated on several songs, including “What’s Your Country Song?” The celebration also included the Merle Haggard classic “Misery and Gin.”

“We’re going to be so pleased to welcome a fellow like Rhett who has made such an impact both as a recording artist and an often-recorded songwriter into the Opry family,” said Dan Rogers, Opry executive producer. “Rhett lauds the Opry’s traditions and is excited to help build its future as the show enters its second century. This is going to be a great marriage.”

Rhett Akins’ Career as an Artist and Songwriter

Akins first found success as a recording artist in the 1990s after Decca Records heard one of his demos. His debut album, A Thousand Memories, was released in 1995 and produced four chart singles, including “That Ain’t My Truck,” which became his first No. 1 hit and remains one of his signature songs.

The following year, Akins released Somebody New, which produced another No. 1 with “Don’t Get Me Started.”

His career later expanded into one of the most successful songwriting runs in modern country music. Akins has written 36 No. 1 singles and earned multiple industry honors, including BMI Songwriter of the Year, ACM Songwriter of the Year, and ACM Songwriter of the Decade.

He has also received the CMA Triple Play Award seven times, an honor recognizing songwriters who earn three No. 1 songs within a 12-month period.

In 2021, Akins was announced as an inductee into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

On October 13, Akins will add Grand Ole Opry member to that list of career honors as he celebrates his birthday and officially becomes part of the Opry family.

Photos credit: © Grand Ole Opry, photos by Chris Hollo