With the help of Guy Fieri, Alan Jackson presented Jon Pardi with the most prestigious honor in country music after his Stagecoach performance Friday night.
Guy Fieri, the famously dubbed “Mayor of Flavortown,” joined Pardi on stage and introduced Alan Jackson as a video message began to play. The country superstar explained what the Grand Ole Opry means to him and shared the appreciation he’s had for Jon Pardi’s music ever since the pair toured together for Jackson’s “Keepin’ It Country” tour back in 2014.
He then presented the official invitation, saying “I get the honor to invite you, in front of all your Stagecoach friends out there, to be the first native of California to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry.” He congratulated Pardi with a swig of tequila as the video came to an end.
Jon Pardi, who’s openly looked up to Alan Jackson (what artist hasn’t?) was visibly stunned, and very emotional. To be the first-ever California-native given the honor is incredible as it is, but to receive the news while actually in his home state and at an iconic CA event must’ve felt unbelievably special. He’s also the only artist to receive an Opry invite at Stagecoach – another historic “first.”
The “Last Night Lonely” artist has had a hell of a career so far and he only gets better as time goes on. Opry VP Dan Rogers, who joined Pardi on stage following Alan Jackson’s message, recalled the almost 10 years and several performances since his inaugural Opry debut. He praised Pardi, and told the crowd “this guy makes the Opry happen.”
Jon Pardi shared a few words of thanks but kept it short and sweet, still clearly taking it all in. “I moved to Nashville chasing a dream at 22 years old, and now I’m here, and I love you guys and I love country music,” Pardi shared, before taking a bow and a final shot of tequila.
All in all, this honor could not be more deserved, and has to be one of the best Grand Ole Opry invites I’ve seen unfold. Whoever planned this deserves a raise, because it was well thought out AF.
Hats off to Jon Pardi, the 225th member of the Grand Ole Opry.