Rhett Akins Invited To Become A Grand Ole Opry Member

Jon Pardi surprised the hit songwriter on the Opry stage as Akins’ family joined the emotional moment.

Written by Amanda Tempel

Date Published: June 29, 2026

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Rhett Akins has received one of country music’s highest honors: an invitation to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Akins, who has written 36 No. 1 country hits for artists including Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton, Jon Pardi and more, was surprised during his Opry appearance by his longtime friend and Opry member Jon Pardi.

Jon Pardi Surprises Rhett Akins At The Grand Ole Opry

Jon Pardi slipped into the Opry House under the radar 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,” which Akins wrote with Jesse Frasure and Ashley Gorley.

The song became Pardi’s second career No. 1 and remains one of his biggest hits.

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.”

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

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 has 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 given to 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.

Akins will officially become a member of the Grand Ole Opry later this year, with an induction date to be announced.

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