Darius Rucker, Grand Ole Opry: Hitmaker Invited to Become Newest Member

A dream came true for Darius Rucker tonight (Oct. 2) as he was invited to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. His "good buddy" Brad Paisley made the offer to the singer-songwriter during a faux question-and-answer session with the crowd during the Opry's Tuesday night performance.

"My question is in two parts," Brad told the "True Believers" singer. "Are you still the worst poker player in the world? ... Other question is would you like to be the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry?"

"You're kidding me? Tonight? Really? No," was Darius' first reaction, before Brad reminded him, "You haven't answered," prompting Darius to graciously respond, "Yes, I would."

InstaGram

"Welcome him home everybody, this is his new home!" Brad told the crowd, and promptly hugged his friend, as shown in this photo tweeted by the Opry.

In hindsight, the questions leading up to the invitation were solidifying that home for the Charleston native. The first asked his favorite part of playing the Opry.

"Being backstage and seeing the people who are just hanging out," he revealed. "Every time I'm here and Little Jimmy Dickens comes up to me and says, 'Hello.' It's amazing to come here because there are so many artists. Last time I was here, Vince Gill was just hanging out. Being here in the circle is amazing."

The next cited Darius' time in Hootie & the Blowfish, and asked if this means he's going to be in country for a while. "I'll be in country until they kick me out," he answered to cheers. "Until they say we don't want to play your records anymore, I'll be right here making records, I promise."

Darius' Opry membership will become official on Oct. 16.

Watch an Interview With Darius

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