Craig was officially welcomed by Opry member John Conlee, one of Craig’s longtime heroes. “As we’ve become friends,” John told the Opry audience, “it was plain to me that no one loves the Grand Ole Opry more than this young man right here. Welcome to the family, sir.” Craig replied that he did not prepare a speech, but said, “”I am extremely honored and grateful to the Grand Ole Opry. I am proud to be a part of it and hope I can uphold its standards.”