A Career-Defining Moment: Lainey Wilson Breaks Down in Tears as Reba McEntire Delivers the Ultimate Honor on the Grand Ole Opry Stage!

Lainey Wilson could hardly believe her ears when the legendary Reba McEntire extended a once-in-a-lifetime invitation—welcoming her to the Grand Ole Opry. The rising country star, visibly overwhelmed, clutched her chest, tears welling in her eyes as the weight of the moment sank in. With the audience erupting in cheers, Reba’s beaming smile said it all—one country queen was passing the torch to another. This emotional moment proves that country dreams really do come true. Witness Lainey’s heartfelt reaction and Reba’s touching words in this unforgettable Grand Ole Opry moment!

Tuesday night, May 21, 2024, is a night Lainey Wilson won’t soon forget. The “Heart Like A Truck” singer had the honor of performing on the season 25 finale of The Voice, but got the ultimate surprise when coach Reba McEntire joined her on stage and asked her to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Following Lainey’s performance of her latest single, “Hang Tight Honey,” host Carson Daly asked Reba to say a few words. Reba responded by telling the reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year how proud she was of her.

“I have heard that I’ve inspired you and what you’ve done so far, and I’m thrilled to death if I had anything to do with your career because you are blowin’ it up,” Reba said as she made her way to Lainey.

“Just when I think you can’t get any cooler,” Lainey said to Reba. Little did she know that Reba was about to make her lifelong dream come true.

“I was so proud of you at the ACMs the other night. And I couldn’t be more proud to be the one that helps you continue to bridge the gap between our generations,” Reba continued. “I’d like to be the person to invite you to be an official member of the Grand Ole Opry.”

Lainey was clearly surprised and overcome with emotion as the reality of the moment hit her. Her family was in attendance to witness Lainey’s life-changing moment.

“They took me to Nashville when I was 9 years old and we went to the Grand Ole Opry. We saw Bill Anderson and Crystal Gayle and Little Jimmy Dickens, and I knew that I wanted to play there – I wanted to do it,” Lainey said to Reba. “And it is so crazy that you are asking me to be a member because I look up to you so much. I’m not talking about just musically, but the way you carry yourself, your work ethic. You inspire me every day.”

Watch the special moment unfold in the video below.