Jelly Roll Invited to Become the Newest Member of the Grand Ole Opry
On Wednesday, December 10, Jelly Roll received the honor he’s dreamed about his entire life: an invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry. For any country artist, it’s the ultimate symbol of belonging — a recognition not just of talent, but of heart, resilience, and the connection an artist builds with fans around the world.
The moment happened in the most unexpected setting: The Joe Rogan Experience. Jelly Roll, appearing as a guest, was blindsided mid-conversation when a pre-recorded video from Craig Morgan suddenly appeared on the screen.
“I’ll never forget meeting you at the Grand Ole Opry,” Morgan said, recalling their early conversations about how deeply his music impacted Jelly Roll during some of the darkest seasons of his life. “Who would’ve ever dreamed back then that I’d be back at the Opry House today to say: Jelly Roll, you’re officially invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Welcome to the family, brother.”
Before the message even finished, Jelly Roll removed his headphones, lowered his head, and burst into tears — a raw, human reaction that instantly moved millions.
A Dream Decades in the Making
Later that day, Jelly Roll shared a heartfelt post on social media, accompanied by a video showing the exact moment he received the news.
“I don’t even know what to say right now y’all,” he wrote. “They invited me to be a member of the Opry. CRAIG MORGAN INVITED ME TO BE A MEMBER OF THE OPRY!!!! I’m honored beyond words and I can’t stop pinching myself… To Craig Morgan, no matter how many times I say it I’ll never be able to tell you enough how much this has all meant to me.”
Jelly Roll’s Journey With the Opry
Jelly Roll first stepped onto the Opry stage on November 9, 2021. His debut wasn’t just a milestone — it was a spiritual moment for him. During that performance, he spoke openly about how Craig Morgan’s song “Almost Home” helped carry him through some of the lowest points of his life.
Morgan was in the audience that night. Weeks later, he invited Jelly Roll back to share the stage with him for a surprise performance of the song — a full-circle moment that Jelly Roll calls one of the most emotional of his career.
“Shortly after I got out of jail, I sat right there in row seven and cried like a baby watching him sing,” Jelly Roll once said. “I remember thinking, I want to make people feel the way he makes me feel right now.”
Since then, Jelly Roll has become a regular presence on the Opry stage, earning praise from fans, industry veterans, and fellow artists for the honesty and vulnerability he brings each time he performs.
A Well-Deserved Milestone
For the Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and advocate, this invitation represents far more than career achievement. It’s a testament to transformation — proof that redemption is real, and that country music still celebrates stories rooted in truth, struggle, and triumph.
Congratulations to Jelly Roll, who will soon stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the legendary artists who came before him as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.