Emotional Second: Jelly Roll Joins Craig Morgan on Stage on the Grand Ole Opry

Jelly Roll has earned his place as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

On Wednesday, Dec. 10, Jelly, 41, was invited to affix the storied group by Craig Morgan in a full-circle second for the star, who as soon as attended an Opry present to listen to Morgan sing a tune that helped him by way of his time behind bars.

“It do not get no greater in nation music, bubba. That is as large because it will get. F—ing Grand Ole Opry, dawg,” Jelly instructed Joe Rogan, who introduced the singer with the completely happy information on an episode of his podcast The Joe Rogan Expertise.

Rogan teed up the shock by enjoying the “Want a Favor” singer a clip from a previous efficiency on the Opry, which he referred to as “probably the most particular evening of my life” earlier than speaking about how Morgan’s tune “Virtually Dwelling” impressed him whereas he was incarcerated.

Jelly grew emotional as he watched his previous self, and held again tears whereas telling Rogan he “did not suppose [he’d] make it.”

At that time, a pre-taped video of Morgan, 61, appeared on display screen, and the singer started to thank Jelly for making a “optimistic distinction” within the lives of so many followers.

“I will always remember assembly you [at] the Grand Ole Opry and the way a lot it meant to me to listen to you say my music helped you get by way of some actually robust instances,” Morgan stated. “That is one factor nation music does rather well. And who would’ve ever dreamed again then that I would be again on the Opry Home at present to say Jelly Roll, you are formally invited to turn into a member of the Grand Ole Opry. It is an honor to say welcome to the household, brother.”

At that, Jelly tossed his headphones from his head and buried his face in his arms as he cried. He then requested Rogan for a hug and stated he cherished him.

The Grammy nominee then instructed Rogan a narrative about how he as soon as obtained tickets to the Opry simply to see Morgan carry out.

“He comes out and sings ‘Virtually Dwelling,’ and I had, I am not bulls—ting, I would possibly cried 10 instances in my life at that time,” he recalled. “I cried and cried. I cried like I am crying right here now, and I simply bear in mind pondering, ‘Man, I wanna make folks really feel the best way he makes me really feel. That is what I need to do. I did it, Joe.”

Whereas Jelly has carried out on the iconic Nashville venue on a number of events over time, he made his official debut in November 2021.

Talking with Opry.com in 2023, the Antioch, Tenn. native revealed he “cried like a child” the primary time he was requested to carry out on the venue.

“I cried like a child in entrance of 12 strangers. I had simply signed my report deal, so I did not even actually know my report label,” Jelly instructed the outlet. “I met [Opry artist relations] within the hallway. I believed to myself ‘Okay, I can’t cuss as a lot. Opry individuals are right here.’ I had no clue what it was fixin’ to show into. I may have by no means dreamed that’s what they have been fixin’ to ask.”

“Nevertheless it was a part of the rationale I signed my report deal — I had two conditions in my deal. I used to be like ‘You gotta promise me you’ll get me within the native newspaper, then you definately gotta promise me you’ll get me to the Grand Ole Opry,’” he continued. “I needed to at the least show that I’m who I say I’m, even when they by no means carry me again, that’s tremendous. However simply let me be the man who will get to do it.”

When the “Save Me” singer was rising up, enjoying the Grand Ole Opry was at all times the dream — although a far-fetched one.

“I used to be solely quarter-hour away, however it felt 50 million miles away,” he stated. “You understand? Trigger it was such an enormous stage and it is nonetheless intimidating.”

Most just lately, Jelly returned to the Grand Ole Opry stage in September for 2 reveals with pals Bailey Zimmerman and Graham Barham, the place proceeds benefitted Nashville’s Choose Dinkins Instructional Heart and Buddy DeFord Fund.

To turn into a member of the Grand Ole Opry, all “requirements of success in nation music” are taken into consideration, in keeping with Opry.com. This contains radio airplay, recorded music gross sales, touring success and trade recognition.

“The Opry considers profession accomplishment in addition to the potential for continued success,” the location states.

Jelly launched his newest album, Fantastically Damaged, in October 2024 and he is scheduled to carry out in Las Vegas on New Yr’s Eve.