Reba McEntire is set to welcome one of country music’s most beloved ’90s singers into the Grand Ole Opry family.
The Grand Ole Opry announced that McEntire will officially induct singer-songwriter Suzy Bogguss as its newest member during a live Opry performance on January 16, 2026. With a career that has spanned over four decades, this moment marks a major milestone for Bogguss, who is one of the most defining voices of that era.
McEntire to Lead Bogguss’ Induction
Having McEntire lead the induction is significant in itself, as she is also a legendary figure in country music and a longtime Opry member. As a former coach on “The Voice,” McEntire has played a central role in mentoring a future generations of artists. Her presence at the ceremony marks the importance of the moment as one icon formally honoring another with one of country music’s highest achievements.
The January ceremony also continues the Opry’s extended centennial celebrations, carrying its 100th anniversary momentum into the new year.
Bogguss’ Iconic Country Music Career
GettyBogguss started her career as a performer at Dollywood. Her major label debut “Somewhere Between” in 1989 made her one of the artists that defined the golden days of 90s country. Her success included a Top 10 song, “Outbound Plane,” and “Letting Go,” a No. 2 country chart hit.
Beginning with “Somewhere Between,” Bogguss went on to release eight country music studio albums through the end of the ’90s. Three of these records, “Somewhere Between,” “Aces” (1991), and “Something Up My Sleeve” (1993), earned Top 40 spots on the country albums chart, while one was certified platinum and two were certified gold. She then went on to explore new influences, including jazz, western swing, and the Bakersfield sound.
She was named Top New Female Vocalist by the Academy of Country Music (ACM) in 1989 and received the Country Music Association’s (CMA) Horizon Award in 1992. Bogguss earned a Grammy nomination for her duet “Hopelessly Yours” with Lee Greenwood in 1992. She was also part of the American Roots release “Beautiful Dreamer: The Songs of Stephen Foster,” which won a 2005 Grammy Award as Best Traditional Folk Album. Suzy’s track was “Ah, May the Red Rose Live Always.”
Kathy Mattea Surprises Her Longtime Friend on Stage
The 90’s star’s official induction follows an emotional surprise from her friend Kathy Mattea, who invited Bogguss to join the Opry family during her own induction ceremony. The moment marked a first in Opry history: an induction and an invitation happening on the same night.
“I was just so excited about all of us singing together tonight. I don’t even know what to say,” Bogguss said at the time. “Thank you, but I think I may wake up in a minute.”
