Jelly Roll is being invited to join the Grand Ole Opry as an official member.  The invitation came from member Craig Morgan during a recent episode of "The Joe Rogan Experience."  In a video that came up during the show, Morgan praised Jelly Roll's music and impact and said , "...and who would have 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'."   As a response, Jelly Roll said "it doesn't get any bigger in country music."  He also admitted that he never thought he'd be allowed to play at Opry or be a member of it.   Jelly Roll made his Opry debut on November 9, 2021 and has become an Opry fan favorite over the years. He has dedicated his time to playing the show numerous times, mentoring many artists through the Opry NextStage program, and serving as host of Opry NextStage LIVE shows in Texas.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Jelly Roll (@jellyroll615)

photo credit: Setoxxx

Raul Malo's funeral will be open to the public.  The singer's funeral mass service is set for this Thursday at 12 p.m. Central Time at the Cathedral of Incarnation in Nashville, Tennessee.  A private reception will follow the public event.  The Maverick's frontman passed away on December 8th at the age of 60 after a battle with cancer. He continued to perform through September of this year when he was forced into treatment that took him off the road.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Raul Malo (@raulmalo01)

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Raul Malo (@raulmalo01)

George Strait is among the class of 2025 Kennedy Center honorees who received medals at the White House's Oval Office over the weekend.  On Saturday, President Donald Trump presented them with their medals, calling the artists "a group of icons whose work and accomplishments have inspired, uplifted and unified millions and millions of Americans."  Trump introduced Strait as a "country music legend" as he put the medal around his neck.  Other honorees also included Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, Kiss, and Michael Crawford.  

 

 

 

 

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photo credit: Bede735