For Reba McEntire, January 16 was a very special evening. Not only was “The Voice” coach celebrating 40 years since her own induction into the Grand Ole Opry, but she also got to welcome her friend, Suzy Bogguss, into the prestigious club. Before she presented the trophy to the “Drive South” singer, she gave a heartfelt speech.
“Oh my gosh, I was over there boo-hooing, squawling, balling,” she began. “This is so special, Suzy. This family is incredible. They’re loving. Everybody in this building is… thank you very much, I’m crying,” she paused, as Bogguss wiped a tear from McEntire’s face.
“This circle’s very important, very special to all of us, dating back many, many generations back. And to be able to give you this trophy is very, very special to me, and everybody sitting here, everybody in this building watching.”
Suzy Bogguss Stunned by Grand Ole Opry Induction: ‘I Can’t Find Words’
“Suzy Bogguss’s voice is like an angel’s voice,” McEntire continued. “When she sings, you know it. You know her voice, you hear her on the radio: that’s Suzy Bogguss. And I am so proud to give you this trophy that tells you, you are the latest member of the Grand Ole Opry.”
Bogguss remarked that she thought she’d be “boo-hooing” as well, because it was “such a big surprise.”
“Is it a good thing that my girlfriends are so good at keeping secrets?” She joked.
“I can’t even express it to you, and you know me, that I talk a lot,” Bogguss continued. “And I can’t find words. But I do want to say to you that this place is so special, and I can’t believe that I… I mean, honestly, I’ve always been nervous up here. Tonight my stomach is sitting. In this circle, I just feel so calm.”
From Babysitting to Nashville: Tracing Bogguss’s Journey
Some of Bogguss’s most popular songs are “Outbound Plane,” “Aces,” “Hopelessly Yours,” “Teach Your Children,” and “Beautiful Dreamer.”
Bogguss’s love of music began when she was a child, telling “A Prairie Home Companion” that her parents encouraged her to learn the piano and drums. At five years old, she joined her church choir, and as a teenager, she bought her first 12-string guitar from money she earned babysitting.
She moved to Nashville in 1985 and quickly got a job performing at the Silver Dollar City, just as Dolly Parton was about to buy it and rename it Dollywood.
“Dolly [Parton] encouraged us to choose our own material and showcase our individual styles,” Bogguss said. “She mentored us and was a very generous employer.”
