GARTH BROOKS INDUCTS JON PARDI INTO GRAND OLE OPRY - Surprises An Emotional Pardi in a “Full Circle” Moment

Garth Brooks officially welcomed Jon Pardi to the Grand Ole Opry family on October 24, surprising the Capitol Records traditionalist known for hits including “Heartache on the Dance Floor,” “Last Night Lonely,” “Heartache Medication,” and “Dirt on My Boots.”

“This is me and you joined in holy matrimony, shared by the common love of country music," Brooks said as he joined Pardi in the revered circle and presented him with his member trophy.

Having his musical hero bestow the honor on him was a “full circle moment” for Pardi, who as a young boy carried around a cassette tape of Brooks’ music and begged his mother to replace it when he burned it on the fireplace.

"My hero that I watched fly around in an arena is right behind me," Pardi said.  "I don't even know what to say. I love the Opry. I love being a part of the family.”

Brooks became a fan of Pardi after watching him win over the crowd at Brooks’ sold-out concert at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville.

"85,000 people here that night, okay? Big boy here, I'm gonna watch him fold like an aluminum can under pressure," Brooks recalled. "But by the second song, this guy had 'em eating out of his hand."

"I used to like Jon Pardi," he continued.  "After that night, I loved Jon Pardi."

Pardi’s invitation to join the Opry came in a video recorded by Opry member Alan Jackson, which was played in the middle of Pardi’s set at the Stagecoach Festival in April.

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