Moments after she had finished singing her version of Randy Travis’ “I Told You So” during the Opry show on Saturday, March 15, she was surprised onstage by Randy himself. Noting that she had celebrated her 25th birthday five days earlier, he offered her a belated present: an offer to join the Opry, which she tearfully accepted. “This is one of the best nights of my life, and it’s certainly something I’ll never forget,” she told the audience. “And I’m glad each and every one of you were here to share it with me.”

Carrie will be formally inducted on Saturday, May 10. “Since her debut nearly three years ago,” says Opry vice president and general manager Pete Fisher, “Carrie has not only created many memorable Opry moments with her numerous appearances and extraordinary talents, but she has also shown us that she shares a heartfelt connection and a commitment to country music and its rich legacy.”