You can see from this first picture that Sara Evans became very emotional when I asked her if she would like to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Sara was headlining her own concert at the Ryman when some of us (me, Lady A, and Carly Pearce) broke in to present her with an award and pop this very special question. Sara will be officially inducted into the Opry family on October 7th. The second picture is that of a young Bev Porter as she appeared in her early days as the keyboard player and background vocalist in my Po’ Folks Band. Many of you met Bev and heard her play both at the Opry and on our tours over the years. As I indicated earlier in my letter, she was an important part of all that I did back in the eighties.The third picture was taken backstage at the Opry where I recently had the chance to catch up with Becky Isaacs Bowman of the singing group, The Isaacs. As you probably know, Becky was seriously injured in a head-on car crash back in December and has had to undergo several surgeries and intensive rehab. Her spirit, her faith, and her attitude have not wavered, though, and it was wonderful to share some moments with her. What a light of positivity and optimism she is. 

I was fortunate in that I got to spend time with all three of my children on Father’s Day. Terri (L), Jenni, and I went to church together and had a great Father’s Day buffet lunch afterward. I had pizza with my son, Jamey, at his house that evening. A few days later, I booked a lunch date with my granddaughter, Sophie, and we went shopping after we ate. She loves to read, and picked out a couple of new books. Our oldest fan club member, Bertha Thomas, celebrated birthday #106 last month over in North Carolina. Congratulations, Bertha, and thanks to your daughter, Rebecca, for sharing this picture with us. 

It was an exciting day when my grandson, Gabe, received his high school diploma on May 13th. Many of you know the health struggles Gabe experienced throughout his childhood and adolescence, and the fact that he was determined to not fall behind in his education speaks volumes as to his tenacity and his character. Many of you kept him in your prayers throughout his journey, and this picture is proof that all of our prayers were heard and answered. No less special was my granddaughter, Greta’s, graduation two weeks later. Greta fought her own battles, and persevered against some pretty big odds herself, and I’m extremely proud of her accomplishments. (You’ll note I wore the same blue coat and yellow pocket square to both graduations. Although Gabe and Greta went to different schools, both school colors are blue and gold. I wanted to be dressed appropriately for each occasion!) The third picture was taken on stage at the Country Music Hall of Fame when I was invited to lead the crowd in singing “Will The Circle Be Unbroken” at the end of a recent Medallion Ceremony. That song inside those hallowed walls provides a special moment in the life of anyone who loves country music.