Five years after making her Grand Ole Opry debut, singer-songwriter Lainey Wilson has written the foreword to the coming children’s book about the historic Nashville music venue.
The 32-page book, titled “Howdy! Welcome to the Grand Ole Opry!,” will be published on Sept. 16 ahead of the concert hall’s 100th anniversary.
“With vibrant illustrations and photos of legendary performers from the Opry’s rich 100-year history, it’s the perfect read to inspire the next generation of country music fans.”
“The Opry is more than a venue; it’s a place of deep cultural significance where performers and fans connect through a love of music,” she said.
‘Welcome to the Grand Ole Opry’
According to the venue’s website, the Opry was founded on Nov. 28, 1925, as the WSM Barn Dance, a country music offshoot of a local radio station.Since then, its stage has been graced by some of the greatest country music artists, including Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, and, of course, Wilson.
The 32-year-old singer reflected on her first performance at the famed music hall in her foreword, writing that her “dreams have always involved the Opry,” per People.
“First, I wanted to see the show that I used to sit on the floor in front of the TV and watch. My dream came true, and I visited the Grand Ole Opry for the first time at 9 years old,” Wilson wrote.
“My country little heart couldn’t have been any happier walking into a place that represented more than a genre—a lifestyle. A lifestyle that my family and I were proud to live.”
The Louisiana native moved to Nashville in 2011 and later released her self-titled debut album. In 2019, three years after her sophomore album, “Tougher,” Wilson rose to fame when her music was featured in the second season of the Paramount Network’s hit Western television series, “Yellowstone.”
On Feb. 14, 2020, the country crooner fulfilled another lifelong dream, making her debut performance at the Grand Ole Opry.
“Honestly, I was never the little girl who dreamed about her wedding day,” Wilson wrote in her foreword. “Instead, I was the little girl who was already making plans about what I would sing and wear if and when I got the chance to stand on that legendary stage.”
In February 2024, Wilson took home her first Grammy at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, winning Best Country Album for her highly acclaimed fourth studio album, “Bell Bottom Country.”
That June, she achieved another milestone in her career when she was officially named a member of the Opry.
“Of all the blessings and accolades, this is my biggest accomplishment so far,” she wrote.
“The Opry’s mission is to serve the country music industry and preserve what makes the home of country music and the country music family so unique and special,” she continued.
“It welcomes everyone with open arms. It understands the importance of what it means to ’tip your hat' to the ones who paved the way. The Opry believes in giving opportunities to people who dare to share their voice with the world.”
Wilson released her fifth studio album, “Whirlwind,” in August 2024.
“Can’t wait to see what we get into in 2025.”
