Kathy Mattea, Suzy Bogguss Part of First Ever Opry Induction/Invitation
It took 100 years, but it finally happened, and for two deserving women of country music. As part of the Grand Ole Opry’s year-long 100th Anniversary celebration, it saw its first dual induction/invitation.
On August 9th, country legend Kathy Mattea was invited to become the next member of the Grand Ole Opry in the wake of the passing of long-time Opry member Jeannie Seely. It was a big surprise, but a long overdue and worthy accolade for the host of West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s long-time show Mountain Stage, and the singer of the iconic “18 Wheels and A Dozen Roses.”
Saturday, October 11th was set as the date that Kathy Mattea would be formally inducted into the Opry, with current member Terri Clark doing the honors, and Opry member Trisha Yearwood also helping out. Suzy Bogguss also appeared earlier in the Saturday show, and was brought out on the stage to join Clark and Yearwood singing backup for Mattea’s “18 Wheels and A Dozen Roses.”
Before the final chorus of the song, Kathy Mattea stopped down and said she had been given her first task as a Grand Ole Opry member. “On behalf of my friends, and the entire Grand Ole Opry family, Suzy Bogguss you have the voice of angel, a generous spirit, and a collection of work that is timeless. And I have one question for you my dear dear friend. Would you like to be the next member of the Grand Ole Opry?”
A flabbergasted Bogguss said, “I thought you were supposed to know ahead of time. Did my husband know? I’m gonna kill him! I was just so excited about all of us singing together today, even though you guys gave me the high part.“
After Bogguss collected herself, she continued, “That’s just unbelievable. I don’t even know what to … Thank you. I need to borrow some mascara from you … I kind of think I’m going to wake up in a second … Yes yes yes, and please don’t take any more away from your time.”
You can watch the whole moment HERE.
This means that not just one important woman to the ’90s decade in country is finally getting her due, but two. With three Certified Gold albums to go with her Platinum Certified Aces (1991), Suzy Boggus helped usher in the ’90s decade for women who weren’t hidden in the shadow of the big male country acts of the era, but rivaled them and found success with quality songs and critically-acclaimed albums.
Some might complain or even be surprised that Kathy Mattea and Suzy Bogguss weren’t sent Grand Ole Opry invitations previously. But under the management of Dan Rogers, previous wrongs continue to be made right, and performers who paid more than their fare share of dues are finally receiving their opportunities.
The formal induction date for Suzy Bogguss will be announced soon.
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October 14, 2025 @ 11:19 am
I’m unclear on what the historic part was. Serious question.
October 14, 2025 @ 11:47 am
I personally didn’t use the term “historic” in this piece because that’s probably a bit hyperbolic. It is unprecedented though to have an induction and an invitation happen at the same time.
October 14, 2025 @ 2:12 pm
Got it, it was the combo of the two. I, too, was wondering which part of that special night was the first in 100 years.
October 14, 2025 @ 12:25 pm
Poor Suzy never really got the break she deserves in the country market.
It’s insulting to her talent that girls like Shania and Wynonna hit the top spot again and again, while she didn’t.
A very underrated singer.
October 14, 2025 @ 1:14 pm
Wynonna is good, but she had momentum from her time with Naomi ruling the charts.
Shania had beauty queen looks and a pleasant personality which made her a natural for video stardom.
Suzy didn’t get the Female Vocalist of the Year consideration and stardom in spite of having THAT VOICE. It’s great to see her some credit from the Opry now.
October 14, 2025 @ 12:39 pm
I had a chance to meet Suzy several years ago when she played the county fair. Nothing but good things to say about that experience.
October 14, 2025 @ 12:49 pm
Congratulations to both ladies – fully deserved.
I know I am stuck in the past and there’s always ‘My generation was better than the current crop’ but they really don’t make music like they used to. The new ladies of country, even those that receive positive reviews from this website, don’t hold a candle to these ladies.
The intricacy, subtlety, attention to detail, production of the music, the quality of lyrics is simply lacking these days and falls long way short of the standards set historically.
October 14, 2025 @ 1:08 pm
She and Alison Krauss have the two most angelic voices in country music. It’s great to see her get this honor. I’m glad that whatever forces that kept Suzy and Kathy from becoming members have been vanquished. Seeing the reactions of artists getting their invites is an uplifting experience in this angry age we’re in.
October 14, 2025 @ 2:06 pm
Im a fan of both of them. Agree that Boguss has ” the voice”. Some guy named Chet Atkins thought so as well, and he in fact chose to do a duet album with her , it was called Simpatico. I’ve heard that Atkins fellow had a bit of an ear for talent, so choosing to record with her was a big deal. (Haha) I know i remember when Aces came out and I initially heard her cover of Nanci Griffiths Outbound Plane and was blown away, then I heard Someday Soon and that was that. Shes terrific and always great live. And she’s still in good vocal form these days.
October 14, 2025 @ 2:32 pm
Way overdue for both these talents, and I agree with all the platitudes in the previous comments. FWIW…lived in Nashville during the 90’s and frequently dealt/socialized with Music Biz people, would have been hard pressed to find anyone saying a sour word about either of them professionally and personally. Think I’ll pull up “Aces” while cooking tonight and sing along to every verse. Thanks for reporting this.