Crystal Gayle surprised by Carrie Underwood with Opry invitation

Crystal Gayle has been making music for more than 40 years, and on Tuesday night, she got one of the biggest surprises of her career. .

During Gayle’s performance of her classic, “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue,” Opry member Carrie Underwood walked onto the Ryman stage to sing with her. Then, she made Gayle an offer she couldn’t refuse, asking if she’d “like to join the Opry family officially.”

Gayle immediately agreed, and the two embraced. “I was really excited when they said Carrie wanted to sing with me…very surprised,” Gayle said after her performance. "I felt like a part of the family for many years (because) my sister (Loretta Lynn) is a member, so this is just really special and nice.”

“Crystal Gayle’s music is truly timeless, like the Grand Ole Opry,” said Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher. “Her velvety voice and friendly personality will make this special family even more special.”

Gayle will be officially inducted into the Opry during the Jan. 21 show, which will also be held at the Ryman Auditorium. Gayle made her first Ryman appearance nearly 50 years ago, when she was just 16 years old: “I can still see the stage," she said. "I was probably wringing my hands...I sang (a Marty Robbins song) and wore a little shiny dress my mother made me."

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