Carly Pearce Reflects on Being Invited to Join the Grand Ole Opry by Dolly Parton

From Dollywood to the Grand Ole Opry: Carly Pearce's Incredible Journey

When you think about career-defining moments, for many artists, it’s about stepping onto a stage that symbolizes everything they’ve worked for. For Carly Pearce, that moment came when she was invited to join the legendary Grand Ole Opry. But here’s the twist: the invitation didn’t come from just anyone—it came from none other than Dolly Parton herself. Now, that’s what I call a dream come true.

The Invitation: A Moment That Stands Out

Back in June 2021, Carly Pearce was in for the surprise of a lifetime. While performing at a special event, Dolly Parton took the stage and personally announced that Carly would become the newest member of the Opry family. For Pearce, who started her career at Dollywood as a teenager, this moment was more than just an honor—it was validation of everything she had worked for. As she recalls, "Being invited by Dolly to join the Opry is probably the most iconic moment of my career. It’s something I’ll never forget."

The Opry: A Dream Stage for Every Country Artist

The Grand Ole Opry isn’t just any stage—it’s a place where legends are born and careers are celebrated. For Carly Pearce, who grew up dreaming of performing country music, being invited to join the Opry was like stepping into the pages of history. "It’s not every day that you get invited to join a family that’s been around for over 100 years," Pearce shares. "And to have Dolly Parton, someone I’ve looked up to my entire life, be the one to extend that invitation? That’s a dream that feels almost too good to be true."

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Looking Back: Carly Pearce’s Career Milestones

Before she became a CMA and double ACM Award-winning artist, Carly Pearce was a young teenager cutting her teeth in the world of country music at Dollywood. It was there, surrounded by the magic of Dolly Parton’s theme park, that Pearce found her voice and honed her craft. Fast forward to 2021, and Pearce found herself standing on the brink of one of the most significant milestones of her career. "I remember thinking, 'Is this really happening?' It was surreal," she says.

Reflecting on the Moment

When asked about the moment Dolly Parton invited her to join the Opry, Carly Pearce describes it as nothing short of iconic. "It wasn’t just about being invited to join a prestigious group; it was about being welcomed into a family. Dolly has always been such a supportive figure in my life, and to have her personally invite me to join the Opry? That’s something I’ll carry with me forever."

Interestingly, the invitation didn’t happen in the hallowed halls of the Opry House itself. Instead, it came during a special performance, which only added to the emotional weight of the moment. "That’s what makes it so special," Pearce reflects. "It wasn’t scripted or planned—it was genuine, and that’s what made it so unforgettable."

A Century of Music: The Grand Ole Opry Turns 100

As the Grand Ole Opry celebrates its 100th anniversary, Carly Pearce finds herself reflecting on her journey and the significance of being part of such a storied institution. "The Opry has been a cornerstone of country music for so long, and to think that I’m now a part of that legacy? It’s humbling," she says. "Every time I step onto that stage, I’m reminded of all the incredible artists who have walked those halls before me."

Carly Pearce’s Heartfelt Connection to the Opry

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the "Opry 100: A Live Celebration" event in Nashville, Pearce opened up about her favorite memory of being invited to join the Opry. "That day, I felt like I was living a dream. Dolly Parton is a legend, and to have her personally invite me to join the Opry? It was like everything I’d ever worked for had come full circle."

For Pearce, the Opry isn’t just a stage—it’s a symbol of everything that makes country music so special. "It’s about community, tradition, and storytelling. And now, I get to be a part of that story. It’s an honor I don’t take lightly," she explains.

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A Legacy of Music and Mentorship

Carly Pearce’s journey from Dollywood to the Grand Ole Opry is a testament to her talent, hard work, and the mentorship of legends like Dolly Parton. "Dolly has been such an incredible mentor to me," Pearce says. "She’s taught me so much about the music business, but more importantly, she’s taught me about being true to yourself and staying grounded. Those are lessons I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life."

As the Grand Ole Opry continues to celebrate its 100th anniversary, Carly Pearce stands as a shining example of what it means to carry the torch for country music. Her journey is a reminder that with dedication, passion, and a little bit of magic, anything is possible. And for Pearce, being invited to join the Opry by Dolly Parton is proof that dreams really do come true.