Something must have really tickled Vince Gill as he and Jeannie Seely presented me with a beautifully framed plaque commemorating my 62nd Opry Anniversary…and noting the fact that I have now been a Grand Ole Opry member longer than anyone in history. Notice that beneath his coat Vince is wearing a Bill Anderson t-shirt! In the second picture, Jamey Johnson and I are backstage preparing to cut (and eat!) the attractive and delicious cake the Opry provided for the occasion. And in the last photo, there’s nothing like sharing a special occasion with family members and friends that you love. I’ve said many times that it doesn’t matter what you have or what you achieve in this ol’ world…what matters is who you have beside you. And it meant so much to have all these special folks beside me (and behind me) on this most incredible night.

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.