After more than 500 shows, Mandy Barnett becomes newest Grand Ole Opry member

After more than 500 performances on the self-described "show that made country music famous," the Grand Ole Opry introduced Tennessee-raised singer Mandy Barnett this week as its newest member.

Country Music Hall of Fame couple Marty Stuart and Connie Smith joined Barnett on stage Tuesday night during an Opry broadcast to welcome her into the program's "unbroken circle" of member artists.

Barnett celebrated her induction with a set including her first single "Now That's Alright with Me" and "(Won't You Come Home) Bill Bailey," a nod to her role playing Patsy Cline in 1990s jukebox musical "Always…Patsy Cline."

Smith invited her to become an Opry member on Sept. 28, 2021, Barnett's 46th birthday. Cline's daughter Julie Fudge joined Barnett on stage Tuesday to present her with an autographed photograph of her late mother and canceled $50 check, the latter representing a moment in Cline's real-life friendship to pivotal "Always ... Patsy Cline" character Louise Seger.

"This is just so unbelievable," Barnett said Tuesday from the Opry stage. "I've been pinching myself ever since my birthday. ... This moment means everything to me. Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to play the Grand Ole Opry."

A celebrated torch singer from Crossville, Tennessee, Barnett's known for upholding a tradition of classic country and pop standards. She debuted on the Opry stage nearly three decades ago, according to a news release.

She turned to Music City for her 2020 release, "A Nashville Songbook," which heard Barnett offering renditions of staple songs from Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, The Everly Brothers, Kris Kristofferson and more. Her latest album, "Every Star Above," pays tribute to 1958 Billie Holiday album "Lady in Satin."

"This is one of the ultimate milestones of country music, and I can't think of anybody that was more born for this moment and this job than you," Stuart told Barnett on stage. "This is your 520th performance at the Grand Ole Opry tonight, that's pretty good. That's a long audition. But I think you went through with flying colors."

More: 5 unforgettable moments from the Grand Ole Opry's 5,000th Saturday night show

Barnett becomes an Opry member in a busy year for inductions from the nearly century-old institution. She's the fifth artist to earn Opry membership this year, joining family gospel group The Isaacs, bluegrass staple Rhonda Vincent, trio Lady A and country hitmaker Carly Pearce.

Last weekend, the Opry celebrated 5,000 Saturday night broadcasts, a singular milestone in entertainment that featured performances from Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Darius Rucker, Chris Young and more.

More: Carly Pearce invited by Dolly Parton to become newest Grand Ole Opry member

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Mandy Barnett becomes newest Grand Ole Opry member