Scotty McCreery became the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday, April 20. As part of his induction into the Grand Ole Opry, McCreery was given his very own personal mailbox at the Opry. This mailbox, labeled with number 148, holds a special significance as it previously belonged to none other than country music legend, Loretta Lynn, who passed away on October 4, 2022, at the age of 90.
Scotty McCreery Was Assigned Loretta Lynn’s Former Opry Mailbox
Ahead of his dream come true Opry induction, the country superstar sat down with Music Mayhem to chat about the special evening and what it means to him to now have the Opry mailbox that was formerly owned by the late “Coal Miner’s Daughter” singer.
“I have been assigned mailbox 148 and that was Loretta Lynn’s former mailbox,” McCreery revealed, before he explained, “Her music has meant the world to me growing up, and I even named my truck after Loretta.” The truck he is referencing is the Ford F-150 pick-up truck that he received when he won American Idol in 2011, which he admitted he “still drive[s] that truck today.”
For McCreery, having this Opry mailbox once owned by a country music icon like Loretta Lynn makes his Opry induction even more special. “It’s pretty cool to share that little piece of history with one of the country icons,” he added.
McCreery Becomes 227th Member Of The Grand Ole Opry
McCreery was honored with one of the most prestigious honors in Country music on April 20 when he became the 227th member of the Grand Ole Opry. The 30-year-old North Carolina was inducted into the Opry by his musical hero Josh Turner alongside special guest Country Music Hall of Famer and Grand Ole Opry member Randy Travis.
Prior to his official Opry induction, the multi-platinum hitmaker performed two songs from his upcoming new album, Rise And Fall, including his Top 5 and climbing single, “Cab In A Solo,” and “Fall of Summer,” as well as an unforgettable rendition of Randy Travis’ iconic hit, “Three Wooden Crosses.”
After McCreery’s trio of impressive performances, Josh Turner and Randy Travis took to the stage to present him with his official Opry Member Award.
“I stand here tonight proud of the fact that I bridged the gap between the generation of Randy Travis and Scotty McCreery,” Turner continued, “Only time will tell who will be inspired by Scotty.” Turner went on to share the chorus of the George Jones classic hit, “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes,” before adding, “Scotty is not only a fine singer and a songwriter, but he’s a great man, husband, and now father. I’m proud of him, and I’m proud that he is filling the shoes of the artists before him. With artists like him, country music is in great shape.”
“Scotty, It’s my distinct honor to say congratulations on officially becoming the newest member of the world-famous home of country music, the Grand Ole Opry,” an emotional Turner said as he handed McCreery the award and microphone to reflect on the prestigious honor.
A Dream Come True Moment For Scotty McCreery
McCreery stopped for a moment to admire the Grand Ole Opry trophy in his hand before showcasing his gratitude for the honor with a heartfelt speech. “Y’all this night is just, it’s unbelievable. It really is,” McCreery admitted. “If you’ve listened to any of my interviews over the last 13 years of doing this, they’d say, ‘what is your biggest goal in doing any of this?’ and I’d always say, ‘One day I want to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry,’” McCreery continued. “I gotta go home and start writing a new bucket list.”
He then shouted out his family, who were in attended in the crowd, including his wife Gabi and their 18-month-old son, Avery.
“He might not understand tonight, but one day I’ll be able to tell him, ‘Hey buddy, this was your daddy’s dream, and it came true,’” McCreery added while holding back tears. “So, I’ll tell him to go chase him dreams as well as one day it’ll come true for you, buddy.” McCreery concluded, “Thank y’all so much. I love you, and I’m so proud to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry.”
The 30-year-old North Carolina native went on to deliver his first performance of “Five More Minutes” as an official member of the Opry. “This is an honor, this is humbling, and this is a responsibility to carry on the torch of country music and the tradition of the Grand Ole Opry. So I will do my best to hold up my end of the bargain,” McCreery added.
Garth Brooks Invited McCreery To Become An Opry Member
McCreery was invited to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry in December of 2023 by country music icon Garth Brooks.
Additionally, Scotty McCreery will return to the Grand Ole Opry stage on May 11, just one day after the release of his new album, Rise And Fall. The first 400 ticketholders to purchase McCreery’s fifth studio album in the Opry Shop that evening will receive exclusive entry to a special album release event and intimate acoustic session with the North Carolina native following the Opry performance in Studio A inside the Opry House.
