Photo Credit
Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

On the night of Friday 28 February 2020, Rhonda Vincent received a long-overdue invitation, from Jeannie Seely, to finally join The Grand Ole Opry as the next official member.

Multi-award-winning bluegrass artist Rhonda Vincent was surprised on stage at The Grand Ole Opry, on Friday 28 February 2020, by Opry member, Jeannie Seely, with an invitation to become an official Opry member.



Jeannie Seely, Rhonda Vincent and Bobby Tomberlin backstage at The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville on Friday 28 February 2020, the night on which Jeannie Seely invited Rhonda Vincent to become an official Opry member

Rhonda Vincent had just performed her 2019 Bluegrass chart-topper, 'Like I Could' (Upper Management Music, 2019), which was written by Jeannie Seely, Bobby Tomberlin and Erin Enderlin.

Rhonda Vincent will be officially inducted into the Opry family on Tuesday 24 March 2020.

A truly flabbergasted Rhonda Vincent reacted to the Opry invitation by twice asking Jeannie Seely if she was serious.  She then replied, '100% percent yes.  Oh my gosh!  I grew up listening to the Opry.  Thank you, dear God!'

Following the invitation, Jeannie Seely welcomed on stage several of the Opry's women of country music, including Sharon & Cheryl White, Connie Smith, and soon-to-be inducted Opry member, Rhonda Vincent, to perform 'Those Memories' centre stage in the Opry's circle.

'Throughout her award-winning career, Rhonda Vincent has always made time to visit us at the Opry', said Opry Vice President & Executive Producer, Dan Rogers.  'She is a force of nature on stage, and a friend to fellow artists and fans alike behind the scenes.  Her songs have a home among the many styles of music we celebrate at the Opry for the rest of her career'.



On Tuesday 7 June 2011, Rhonda Vincent saw the release of a collaboration album with Gene Watson, 'Your Money and My Good Looks' (Upper Management Music, 2011), and which reached No.56 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 2011.



Gene Watson & Rhonda Vincent at Black Gold Casino in Hobbs, New Mexico on Saturday 7 May 2011

On Saturday 29 February 2020, Gene Watson issued the following statement about his recording friend, Rhonda Vincent:

'Congratulations to our great friend, Rhonda Vincent, as she becomes the newest member of The Grand Ole Opry!

So happy for her and for everyone who loves real country music.

I'll be on the Opry on Tuesday 7 April 2020 - maybe Rhonda will be there too'

Source
Gene Watson's Official Site - genewatsonmusic.com
Grand Ole Opry - opry.com