Carly Pearce Inducted into the Grand Ole Opry by Trisha Yearwood in Emotional Ceremony
On August 3, 2021, Carly Pearce officially became a member of the Grand Ole Opry — a defining milestone in the Kentucky native’s career.
Country icon Trisha Yearwood presented Pearce with the Opry’s symbolic award: a miniature version of its legendary mic stand. Watching proudly from side stage was Garth Brooks, adding to the significance of the night.
Pearce opened her set with her breakout hit, “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” before inviting Yearwood back on stage for a stirring duet of “How Do I Live.” The moment was heartfelt and electric, bridging generations of country music in front of a packed Opry House.
“Last night was the greatest moment of my life,” Pearce later shared on Instagram. “Thank you for welcoming me into the family, Grand Ole Opry. And thank you, Trisha Yearwood, for the beautiful induction.”
Pearce had been invited to join the Opry just weeks prior by none other than Dolly Parton, who surprised her with the news on June 17, 2021 — making the night all the more meaningful.
The celebration also carries added weight in light of recent news. Jeannie Seely, a Grand Ole Opry institution and the artist with the most Opry performances in history, passed away on August 1, 2025, at the age of 85. Her legacy loomed large that night and continues to echo through every performance that graces the Opry stage.
As Carly Pearce steps further into her role as a torchbearer for country music tradition, her Opry induction stands as both a personal triumph and a tribute to the women who paved the way.