Carly Pearce will never forget the day Dolly Parton invited her to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
“That was probably the most surprised I’ve ever been in my life,” Pearce, 34, exclusively told Us Weekly before participating in NBC’s Opry 100: A Live Celebration on Wednesday, March 19. “When you think of the Opry and you think of invitations to be a member, they usually happen on stage at the Opry.”
Pearce’s experience, however, was a little different.
On June 17, 2021, the country singer thought she was participating in a commercial for Dollywood after previously working at the theme park. When Parton, 79, walked around the corner and introduced herself, everything changed for Pearce.
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“I was, of course, shocked, but I thought that we were doing this Dollywood commercial together,” she joked. “And I heard her say the word ‘Opry’ several times in 30 seconds. I can only equate it to how a girl feels when she thinks she’s getting engaged of just like, ‘Can you just say it? Is this what’s happening?’”
“I had this moment of just, ‘Oh, my goodness,’” Pearce continued. “And when she said it, I just fell to the floor, literally.”
On Wednesday evening, Pearce will join dozens of other country music artists as they honor the Grand Ole Opry’s milestone 100th anniversary. For her live performance, the “What He Didn’t Do” singer is expected to pay homage to Parton.
While the Queen of Country holds a special place in Pearce’s heart, she also won’t forget being inducted into the Opry with help from Trisha Yearwood.
“That day was very surreal,” Pearce recalled to Us. “I think that’s the best word. From becoming a member and getting to see my photo in the Women of Country room with all of my heroes … to having one of my heroes, Trisha Yearwood, induct me, it was just truly one of the best days that I’ve ever had.”
As Pearce takes a break from her Hummingbird world tour to perform at Opry 100, the country singer can’t help but reflect on all of the dreams she has been able to accomplish.
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From connecting with fans across the country thanks to her vulnerable music to maintaining unbreakable bonds with artists like Kelsea Ballerini, Pearce — whose latest album, Hummingbird: No Rain, No Flowers (Deluxe), is out now — is looking forward to making even more unforgettable memories at the Grand Ole Opry.
“I dreamt of becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry my whole life,” she said. “It really is, out of everything that I’ve been able to accomplish, my highest honor.”
Opry 100: A Live Celebration airs on NBC Wednesday, March 19, at 8 p.m. ET and will be simulcast on Peacock.